How do patients presenting with myelopathy typically exhibit their symptoms compared to those with radiculopathy?

• A. Single dermatome affected
• B. Multiple dermatomes affected
• C. Localized pain only
• D. Increased muscle strength

Answer: (B)

Patients presenting with myelopathy typically exhibit symptoms that affect multiple dermatomes. Myelopathy is a condition caused by compression or injury to the spinal cord, often resulting from disorders such as cervical spondylotic myelopathy or herniated discs. This spinal cord involvement leads to a more diffuse pattern of neurological deficits, as it impacts the pathways that carry motor and sensory signals to and from various regions of the body. Consequently, patients may experience weakness, sensory disturbances, or reflex changes that span multiple segments of the body, reflecting the broader impact of spinal cord dysfunction.

In contrast, radiculopathy typically presents with symptoms that are confined to a single dermatome corresponding to the affected nerve root. This condition is due to nerve root compression and often results in pain, numbness, or weakness solely within the distribution of the specific nerve root affected. By understanding these distinctions, healthcare professionals can better assess the clinical presentation and underlying pathology in patients with neurological symptoms.