Radicular syndromes

Question 1

Radicular syndromes

define:

Answer 1

• irritation of the nerve root such as caused by disc herniation, osteophyte, tumor…
• can induce pain and other symptoms such as numbness, tingling and

weakness usually radiate to arms and legs following the route of the nerve.

Question 2

Radicular syndromes

Caused by:

Answer 2

compression, inflammation or irritation of nerve roots (aka radiculopathy)

Question 3

Radicular syndromes

Symptoms:

Answer 3

symptoms:

• pain, numbness, tingling, weakness in arms and legs
• the pain “radiates” along the nerve’s sensory distribution(dermatome)
• the most common form is sciatica

Question 4

Radicular syndromes

Causes:

Answer 4

causes:

disc herniation, osteophytes (often found is osteoarthritis), tumours, collapse of root foramen

Question 5

• Radicular syndromes*
• Treatment:*

Answer 5

Tx:

physical therapy, NSAIDs, epidural steroids(in severe cases), surgery