Radiculopathies Flashcards
What are radiculopathies?
range of symptoms occurring due to compression of a nerve at or near the root as it exits the spinal cord
Where is the problem in spinal cord compression?
problem in spinal cord
Where is the problem in cauda equina?
problem in cauda equina
Where is the problem in radiculopathy?
problem in nerve root
What are causes of radiculopathies?
- Degenerative disc disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Tumour
- Infection
What are motor symptoms of radiculopathies?
LMN symptoms for muscles innervated by this spinal root
What are sensory symptoms in radiculopathies?
- dermatomal pattern
2. Pain, numbness
What is an example of radiculopathy?
sciatica
What is affected in sciatica?
lumbosacral nerve root impingement
What are symptoms of sciatica?
- Pain and tingling radiating from lower back to ipsilateral leg
- Weakness in calf muscles
What is the test for sciatica?
straight leg raise test
How is the straight leg test peformed in sciatica?
if pain distribution of sciatic nerve is reproduced on passive flexion of straight leg at hip between 30-70 degrees, then positive sign: Lasegue’s sign
What imaging is used in sciatica?
CT/MRI to visualise lumbar disc herniation
What are possible DDx for radiculopathies?
- Spinal tumour
2. Systemic disease known to cause peripheral neuropathies
What investigations are used for radiculopathies?
- Pain that has not responded to Tx for 6-8 weeks should be imaged
1. CT/MRI can help visualize a lumbar disc hernaition
