Radiation Myelopathy

Radiation myelopathy is delayed spinal-cord injury following radiotherapy to the spine/neck/mediastinum, presenting months to years later with progressive myelopathy (weakness, sensory level, bladder dysfunction). It is related to radiation dose and field. There is no established curative therapy; treatment is supportive, corticosteroids may help acutely, plus neurorehabilitation and symptom management; prognosis is often poor.

Common Symptoms

Progressive myelopathy; weakness/sensory level; bladder dysfunction; history of spinal radiotherapy months-years prior

Causes and Pathogenesis

Radiation causes vascular injury and demyelination/necrosis of the irradiated spinal cord.

Treatment

Supportive; steroids may help acutely; neurorehab; symptom management

Preventive Measures

Radiation-dose planning; spinal shielding.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Neurology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.