DSA Compression Neuropathies Flashcards
What is neuropathy?
functional or pathological changes in peripheral nervous system
What is compression neuropathy?
process where a NERVE becomes entrapped as it passes thru a narrow tunnel or passage
Bio-mechanical causes of compression neuropathy
space occupying lesions
degenerative causes
post-trauma
mechanical (muscle spasm or pinching)
Systemic causes of compression neuropathy
pregnancy
hypothyroidism
diabetes
What pathological changes affect nerves?
microvascular compression (ischemia) thickened epineurium myelin thinning distortion microtubule closure axonal degneration
What is the first degree category of nerve injuries?
Neuropraxia (focal damage of myelin fibers around axon w/ CT sheath intact)
What is second degree category of nerve injuries?
Axonotmesis (some disruption/injury to axon itself w/ myelin sheath intact)
What is the 3rd-5th degree category of nerve injuries?
Nerotmesis (requires surgical intervention to fix 5th degree disruption of axon thru epineurium)
C5 nerve root
motor to deltoid, biceps
sensation to lateral arm
biceps reflex
C6 nerve root
wrist extension, elbow flexion
sensation to radial forearm, thumb & index finger
brachioradialis reflex
C7 nerve root
wrist flexion, elbow extension, finger extension
sensation to middle finger
triceps reflex
C8 nerve root
finger flexion
sensation to ulnar forearm & small finger
T1 nerve root
finger abduction
sensation to medial arm
When does cervical nerve root compression occur?
usually caused secondary to cervical disc dz
How does cervical nerve root compression occur?
What does it cause?
disc ruptures posterior-laterally causing compression of nerve root as it exits the intervertebral foramen
causes radiculopathy (pain caused by compression of spinal nerve that radiates in distribution of defined nerve root)
What is the Spurling test?
+ is pain elicited by extending & rotating neck TOWARD symptomatic side
DX cervical radiculopathy (herniated disc)
What is the Adson test?
+ is obliteration of radial pulse on affected side when have pt elevate chin & rotate head toward affect side while inhale
DX thoracic outlet syndrome
What is the Hoffmann test?
+ is quick flexion of thumb & index finger when grabbing middle finger (dorsal side)
DX cervical myelopathy (cervical spinal stenosis)
What are the general tx options for cervical neuropathy?
conservative measures (change activity, use anti-inflammatory, splinting, PT & OMM for 3-6months)
surgical release if non-operative management fails
*will most likely need operative decompression for cubital tunnel syndrome
Radial nerve
motor to triceps brachii, anconeus & wrist extensors
sensation to majority of dorsum of hand (via posterior interosseous n)
What are the 3 sites for radial nerve entrapment?
high on humerus (secondary to fracture)
radial tunnel (repetitive rotatory movements)
@ the wrist (superficial branch w/ pronation)
What is cheiralgia paresthetica/handcuff neuropathy?
numbness, tingling, burning, or pain in SRN distribution
caused by compression, edema, surgical injury
What are the 4 sites for median nerve entrapment?
ligament of struthers
pronator syndrome
anterior osseous syndrome
carpal tunnel syndrome