differential diagnosis

Last reviewed 01/2018

The differential diagnosis of spondylytic cervical myelopathy is wide if there are few neck or upper limb symptoms and signs.

The list includes:

  • multiple sclerosis:
    • particularly if there are optic nerve and brainstem signs

  • amyotrophic lateral sclerosis:
    • because of the mixed upper and lower motor neurone signs

  • hereditary spastic paraparesis
  • spinal cord tumour
  • subacute combined degeneration of the cord