Use the sensory dissociation pattern, arm-to-leg weakness gradient, and dorsal column findings to localize the spinal cord syndrome before attributing it to nonspecific myelopathy. Document the lesion level and the management step it implies.

Central cord syndrome weakens the arms more than the legs; Anterior cord syndrome causes motor loss with pain and temperature loss; Dorsal column syndrome selectively impairs vibration and proprioception; Lhermitte sign suggests cervical dorsal column involvement; Posterolateral cord disease can result from B12, copper, or nitrous oxide toxicity