Question

which red flag in a patients history suggests a poor prognosis for cervical myelopathy?

bowel or bladder dysfunction

recent onset of symptoms (<3 months)

mild neck pain without radiation

occasional hand tingling

Explanation:

Bowel or bladder dysfunction in cervical myelopathy indicates that the spinal cord compression has progressed to affect the autonomic and sacral spinal cord segments, which is a sign of advanced nerve damage and is associated with a worse prognosis. Recent symptom onset, mild non-radiating neck pain, and occasional hand tingling are either early, less severe symptoms or non-specific findings that do not signal poor outcomes.

Answer:

A. Bowel or bladder dysfunction