Radiculopathy is a condition caused by compression, inflammation, or injury to a spinal nerve root, resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness radiating along the nerve's pathway. It commonly affects the cervical or lumbar regions and is often associated with conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
Myelopathy refers to a disorder of the spinal cord, often resulting from compression due to degenerative changes, trauma, or other pathological processes. It can lead to symptoms such as pain, weakness, sensory deficits, and impaired coordination, requiring timely diagnosis and intervention to prevent permanent damage.
Spinal metastasis occurs when cancer cells spread from their original site to the spine, potentially causing pain, neurological deficits, and structural instability. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent complications such as paralysis and to improve the patient's quality of life.
Oncological emergencies are critical conditions that arise directly from cancer or its treatment, requiring immediate intervention to prevent severe morbidity or mortality. These emergencies can be due to the tumor's physical effects, metabolic disturbances caused by the cancer, or complications from chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.