Cervical Myelopathy is a condition due to compression of the spinal cord within the Cervical Spine. Patients develop hand weakness and/or numbness that is slow and progressive. Typically, patients will have difficulty with fine-more movements and may start to drop items from their hands. At the time of the evaluation, patients may not recognize the any disability but usually a spouse or significant other who spends time with the patient notices the difficulty. The onset of Cervical Myelopathy is slow and progressive sometimes leading to atrophy (thinning) of the hand muscles. Patients can become accustomed to the symptoms and only notice the severity once it is treated with surgery. Cervical Myelopathy can be caused by a large central disc herniation or osteophyte Cervical Degeneration causing cord compression. Over time and if untreated, patients may develop trouble walking resort to a wide-based, slow gait, possibly with episodes of falling in severe cases. If patients are falling frequently because of Cervical Myelopathy, there are some cases where the falling could lead to paralysis of the arms and legs. The key to diagnosis is an MRI of the cervical spine without contrast. An MRI can clearly show compression of the spinal cord and in severe cases, the compression can cause myelomalacia or edema in the spinal cord because of the compression. Myelomalacia almost always treated surgically because the compression can be corrected otherwise. Cervical myelopathy rarely responds to physical therapy or conservative care. In certain cases, patients may be diagnosed with some degree of cord compression but they have no symptoms making treatment with surgery less likely. However, if the patient presents with cord compression and myelomalacia without symptoms, your surgeon will still be likely to recommend surgery. Most patients who do need surgery are usually successfully treated with an anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion. In more severe cases, patients may require not only an anterior decompression but also a posterior decompression as well.
Cervical Myelopathy
The Cervical Center is dedicated to the treatment and outcomes of patients who suffer from problems related to the cervical spine including any condition related to bone, nerve, or soft tissue. Our program is focused on high quality clinical outcomes and the most effective treatments for all conditions related to the cervical spine.
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Angelo Troiano14/11/2022Very professional and thorough with my surgery.
Faith Schwenker22/03/2022Dr. Abraham’s did my surgery and it was a great success. After nearly 8 years of pain, I finally found a doctor who could help me. My sciatica nerve was compressing my L4 and L5 which was giving me pain and a very poor quality of life. Not only does Dr. Abraham’s have a great bedside manner, but also he certainly knows the complexities of the spine. Thank you so much for giving me my life back!! P.S. I have referred his name to several of my friends and they too have had a successful outcome!!
Kathleen Cully28/05/2021Dr. Abrahams is an extremely compassionate and highly skilled neurosurgeon who, along with Dr. C. Shannon, saved my husband's life by removing a complicated malignant metastatic brain tumor during a very long surgery. In addition, Dr. Abrahams has been my surgeon for several spinal procedures and I trust him with my life.
Kathleen Darcy22/02/2021My experience was great 😊. Dr Abraham was fabulous.
Xavier Masi15/02/2021Dr. Abrahams is the best, very caring and takes time out to listen instead of rushing!!! thanks Doc.. I might have to come see you again. Anthony
Dale15/02/2021😷 Dr Abrahams is THE BEST! He is the absolute best brain & spine surgeon by far! His group is beyond excellent! My back & neck had been fractured in an accident, and I made the mistake of seeing a "spine doctor on Tarrytown Road," who did not want to see me again unless I needed more surgery! I was outright denied an appointment, even after this "doctor" performed a lumbar laminectomy on me!!!😡 I was miserable and in excruciating pain. Then everything changed.... 🙏THANK GOD I FOUND DR ABRAHAMS! He took all the time he needed with me to come up with a new plan and thoroughly explained the correct surgery I needed. I had a fractured sacrum, lower back S1, right up to L5, needing spinal fusion. I also had cervical herniations. My life changed after Dr Abrahams took care of my surgery, his office still checks up on me to make sure I'm doing well. The office and entire staff is so helpful, friendly and caring. I recommend Dr Abrahams on a regular basis to people I meet that have brain or spine problems. Dr Abrahams is also BRILLIANT. He is the creator of many medical devices that he received patents for. When you go in his office your eyes won't know what to look at first he has so many awards & patents. He's a MUST GO TO doctor! He changed my life, and I am forever grateful to him, Lisa (his personal coordinator), and his entire staff, fellow doctors that are also in group with Dr Abrahams. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM as well as the doctors in practice within his group. You will get the best care by far.😊
Helena Mattis12/01/2021Dr. Abrahams literally saved my life. I went to him back in 2004 in horrible shape after being misdiagnosed by my Primary Care Physician. He went above and beyond in saving my life. I highly recommend him for his skills, ability, his humanity and love he demonstrates for both his patients and his work. Helena Edwards
Farah Rubeo13/09/2020Dr. Abrahams performed back surgery on me 6 years ago . I was 38 yrs old and in excruciating pain, not able to walk for longer longer than 5 minutes, sleeplessness nights and constantly being put on pain medication , including countless rounds of PT. Surgery was my only option to return to the quality of life I had before my injury and I am beyond grateful for Dr. Abrahams and his team. I have been playing softball, exercising , walking my dog and enjoying everything that I have missed for years! Dr. Abrahams to me Is a lifesaver! The best of the best !