There is currently no consensus on the type of symptoms or test results that must be present to make a diagnosis of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM), even amongst experts. This uncertainty is likely contributing to a lack of awareness, and delayed diagnosis.
This was recognised as the 3rd most important research priority by the AO Spine RECODE-DCM group. Building on previous survey work through Myelopathy.org to identify the types of symptoms experienced in DCM and what might come first, we are now working with an international collaboration called the Diagnostic Criteria Incubator within the AO Spine RECODE-DCM community, to distil these findings into diagnostic criteria. The final proposed framework will then be tested prospectively.
This was recognised as the 3rd most important research priority by the AO Spine RECODE-DCM group. Building on previous survey work through Myelopathy.org to identify the types of symptoms experienced in DCM and what might come first, we are now working with an international collaboration called the Diagnostic Criteria Incubator within the AO Spine RECODE-DCM community, to distil these findings into diagnostic criteria. The final proposed framework will then be tested prospectively.