cervical disc prolapse

Question 1

defintion

Answer 1

acute and degenerative disc prolapse can occur in the cervical spine causing neck pain and potentially nerve root compression

Question 2

presentation

Answer 2

shooting neuralgic pain down a dermatomal distribution with weakness and loss of reflexes depending on the nerve root affected

Question 3

which nerve root is normally involved

Answer 3

the lower nerve root i.e. C7 nerve root in a C6/7 prolapse

Question 4

investigation

Answer 4

MRI

Question 5

management

Answer 5

for mild cases conservative management in more severe cases or those resistant to conservative management you can carry out a discectomy