Cervical Spondylosis Myelopathy - the 'Mobile Phone Sign'

[Iwan]

Following the publication of our article in the British Medical Journal, one of the readers wrote into the BMJ to describe something he has seen in patients with myelopathy; something he calls the Mobile phone sign! He has found in his professional practice he often finds patients coming to see him complaining of frequently dropping their phone, to the point where they have had to buy a special protective case and this helps him suspect a diagnosis of CSM.

As you also know, most patients with CSM wait far too long to be diagnosed and that this can lead to greater disability. We are therefore always on the look out for new ways of detecting CSM - could 'the mobile sign' help doctors in primary care? It is estimated that by 2020, 70% of the world's population will own a mobile phone

As you have reconfirmed in our previous blog poll, clumsiness is a common symptom of CSM, but specifically have you noticed any problems with your mobile phone? :

myelopathy.org/blog/cervica...

[MelissaErica]

My IPhone case can attest that the “ Cell Phone Sign” is accurate.

[Hidden]

I have to say the mobile phone sign would not have helped in my diagnosis. Was using a BlackBerry until a year ago and only switched to current phone because the browser on BlackBerry wasn't compatible for completing time sheets. I wouldn't rule it out as clumsiness is indicative and would help some.

[SheilaDugan Administrator in reply to Hidden]

Iwan, that would have been a good indicator, as I certainly started losing my balance and dropped my phone all the time.