Radiculopathies Flashcards
What is a radiculopathy?
conduction block in the axons of a spinal nerve or its roots, with impact on motor axons causing weakness and on sensory axons causing paraesthesia and/or anaesthesia
most commonly caused by nerve compression
What are common causes of nerve compression?
Intervertebral disc prolapse Degenerative disease of the spine Fracture Malignancy Infection
What are the presenting features of radiculopathy?
Sensory - paraesthesia, numbness
Motor - weakness
Radicular pain - burning, deep, narrow pain
What is the management for radiculopathy?
Analgesia Neuropathic pain meds e.g. Amitriptyline Diazepam for muscle spasms Physiotherapy Spinal surgery - rare
What tests can be used to diagnose cervical radiculopathy?
Spurling test - flex the neck laterally, rotate and then press on top of the person’s head, +ve if arm pain is felt
What are signs of cervical radiculopathy?
Postural asymmetry
Restricted neck movement
Sharp pain that radiates to arm
Neurological problems
