Question

which red flag in a patient’s history suggests a poor prognosis for cervical myelopathy?
○ mild neck pain without radiation
○ bowel or bladder dysfunction
○ recent onset of symptoms (<3 months)
○ occasional hand tingling

Explanation:

Bowel or bladder dysfunction in cervical myelopathy indicates significant compression of the spinal cord that affects autonomic functions, which is a sign of advanced nerve damage and is associated with a poor prognosis. The other options represent mild or early-stage symptoms that do not signal severe spinal cord compromise.

Answer:

Bowel or bladder dysfunction