When you’ve been involved in an accident, the physical and emotional toll can be overwhelming. Pain, discomfort, and changes in your body’s function may not be immediately apparent, but as symptoms progress, it becomes crucial to understand their cause. One such condition often overlooked by physicians—and in turn, by the legal system—is myelopathy.

Myelopathy refers to a disorder where the spinal cord becomes compressed, leading to a range of symptoms like neck pain, loss of dexterity, problems with walking or balance, and even numbness or tingling in the extremities. These symptoms can significantly impact your quality of life, but because myelopathy is subtle and develops gradually, it’s commonly misdiagnosed—or worse, completely missed.

At Campisi Personal Injury Law, we’ve seen too many cases where myelopathy has been overlooked at first instance. In this blog, we’ll explore why this happens and how you can advocate for proper diagnosis and fair compensation.

Why Myelopathy Is Often Missed

1. Symptoms Mimic Other Conditions
   Myelopathy can present with symptoms like general weakness, balance problems, or numbness, which are easily attributed to more common conditions like muscle strain or peripheral neuropathy. For accident victims, these symptoms might even be written off as temporary side effects of trauma. Or worse these can be labelled as being “in one’s head” and not a physical condition.
   
   
2. Over-Reliance on the Hoffman’s Test
   The Hoffman’s test is a simple neurological exam where a physician flicks your middle finger to observe reflex responses. While it can be a useful indicator, many physicians stop at this test. Unfortunately, relying solely on it can miss significant cases of myelopathy, as it’s neither comprehensive nor conclusive.
   
   
3. Lack of Imaging
   Diagnosing myelopathy often requires imaging tests like MRI scans, or x-rays taken with the head forward and back as far as it goes which many physicians are hesitant to order unless symptoms are severe. For accident victims, this delay in imaging can lead to a missed opportunity to link their condition to the incident and before their case settles.

Why This Matters for Your Personal Injury Claim

When myelopathy is missed, victims face two major consequences:

1. Unnecessary Pain and Suffering
   Without a proper diagnosis, you may not receive the right treatment. This can lead to worsening symptoms and further impairment. You may engage in behaviour or
   
   
2. Missed Compensation Opportunities
   In personal injury cases, you’re entitled to compensation for all accident-related injuries, including the long-term impact on your quality of life. If myelopathy isn’t diagnosed or connected to your accident, insurers and at-fault parties may deny or undervalue your claim.

For example, if your neck pain or balance issues are dismissed as minor, you may not receive financial support for treatments like physical therapy, surgery, or assistive devices—all of which are common in managing myelopathy.

How to Advocate for Yourself

1. Be Persistent About Your Symptoms
   If you experience symptoms like neck pain, tingling, or balance problems after an accident, make sure to report them to your doctor consistently. Even if they seem minor, these could be early signs of myelopathy.
   
   
2. Request Advanced Testing
   Don’t hesitate to ask for imaging tests if you suspect your symptoms are being dismissed. MRI and CT scans are often the key to identifying myelopathy.
   
   
3. Seek Specialist Opinions
   If your symptoms persist and your primary physician isn’t addressing them, consider consulting a neurologist or spinal specialist who is more likely to recognize myelopathy but still may not be up on current practices.
   
   
4. Work with an Experienced Lawyer
   A skilled personal injury lawyer can help ensure your medical concerns are fully documented and connected to your accident. This is critical for building a strong case and securing the compensation you need.

How Campisi Personal Injury Law Can Help

At Campisi Personal Injury Law, we specialize in representing accident victims whose injuries have been overlooked or undervalued. Our team understands the complexities of conditions like myelopathy and works closely with medical experts to ensure no injury is left undocumented.

By thoroughly investigating your case, gathering expert opinions, and advocating for your rights, we help ensure that you receive the financial support you need to manage your injuries and move forward with your life.

Myelopathy is a serious condition that often flies under the radar, particularly for accident victims. Its symptoms—like neck pain, balance issues, and loss of dexterity—can profoundly impact your quality of life, yet they’re frequently dismissed by physicians who rely on incomplete tests like the Hoffman’s test.

If you suspect you’ve been affected by myelopathy following an accident, don’t settle for dismissive medical evaluations or undervalued claims. Advocate for yourself, seek proper testing, and reach out to a legal team that understands the importance of addressing all your injuries.

At Campisi Personal Injury Law, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and protect your right to full compensation.