Cervical Differential Diagnosis

Question 1

3 high risk factors that mandate radiograph

Answer 1

older than 65
dangerous mechanism
parathesias in extremeties

Question 2

4 Elements of Dangerous mechanism, of high risk factors that mandate radiograph

Answer 2

fall from >3ft or 5 flights of stairs
axial load to the head
MVC >60mph/100km
bicyle/motorized vehicle

Question 3

5 low risk factors that allow for safe ROM assessment

Answer 3

simple rearend MVC
can tolerate sitting in ED
can ambulate 
delayed onset of neck pain
no c-spine tenderness

Question 4

3 elements of simple rearend MVC, of low risk factors that allow for safe ROM assessment

Answer 4

pushed into traffic
hit by bus/truck
hit by high speed vehicle

Question 5

At what ROM degree is a radiograph mandated?

Answer 5

less than 45=radiograph

greather than 45= no need

Question 6

Cervicogenic headaches symptoms

Answer 6

originates @ OA, AA, C2/C3 region
symptoms at suboccipital, temporal, frontal, orbital
symptoms change/respond to movement

Question 7

Internal Carotid Arterial Dissection Symptoms

Answer 7

VERY sudden onset, INTENSE
temporal region, same side on the neck
“worst headache of my life”

Question 8

Cervical Radiculopathy Symptoms

Answer 8

neck&arm pain @ rest
referred to UE& scapula
parasthesieas follow dermatomal pattern
Neuroscreen:weak in myotome, abnormal MSR/DTR
Spurling's Test

Question 9

Thoracic Outlet syndrome symptoms

Answer 9

variety of symptoms at neck and shoulder
arm feels weak and heavy
hands feel cold
difficulty with repeated movement @ or above shoulder
variable results in neuroscreen

Question 10

4 criteria for Cervical radiculopathy

Answer 10

c-spine rotation <60 degrees
positive Spurlings test
positve Distraction test
positive ULNT Test (Elvy’s)