What is a common symptom of cervical myelopathy?

• A. Unilateral arm weakness
• B. Clumsiness in hands or feet
• C. Neck stiffness
• D. Tenderness in cervical region

Answer: (B)

Cervical myelopathy is a condition caused by compression of the spinal cord in the cervical region of the spine, leading to a variety of neurological symptoms. Clumsiness in the hands or feet is a hallmark symptom of this condition, as it reflects the disruption of motor function and coordination resulting from spinal cord compression. The spinal cord is responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body, and when it is compromised, motor skills can decline, leading to difficulty in fine motor tasks or balance, which is described as clumsiness.

This symptom often appears as a result of changes in proprioception and motor control due to the affected pathways in the cervical spine. Patients may also experience other symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or a "heavy" feeling in their limbs, but clumsiness is particularly indicative of cervical myelopathy.

Other symptoms listed, such as unilateral arm weakness, neck stiffness, and tenderness in the cervical region, can be associated with various cervical spine pathologies but do not exclusively point to cervical myelopathy like clumsiness does. Unilateral arm weakness, for instance, could suggest a nerve root lesion rather than central spinal cord involvement.