Final answer:
The symptoms of cervical myelopathy include early subtle signs like neck stiffness and mild numbness. As the condition progresses, weakness and numbness in specific patterns may occur. Root compression and upper motor neuron involvement can also result in pain, weakness, and reflex abnormalities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The symptoms of cervical myelopathy can vary depending on the stage of the condition. Early on, the symptoms may be subtle and include neck stiffness, mild numbness or tingling in the hands, and difficulty with fine motor skills. As the condition progresses, the symptoms become more pronounced.
Weakness and numbness in a specific pattern may be observed. For example, weakness and numbness may occur in the arms and hands, with a loss of sensation in the thumb and first three fingers. Muscle weakness may also affect the legs, causing difficulty with walking or maintaining balance.
Root compression is a common symptom of cervical myelopathy, which can result in pain, weakness, or numbness in specific areas of the body, depending on the affected nerve roots. Upper motor neuron (UMN) involvement may manifest as spasticity, hyperreflexia (exaggerated reflexes), and a positive Babinski sign.