Radiculitis vs. Radiculopathy Flashcards
________ consists of radiating symptoms due to nerve root irritation.
Radiculitis
________ consists of radiating symptoms due to compression of a nerve root.
Radiculopathy
Radiculitis is almost always associated with ________ and usually resolves with conservative intervention within ________.
Pain, 1 month
Most people with radiculitis state that the pain ________ diminishes.
Never completely
Radiculopathy, specifically cervical, can be due to either of two mechanisms: ________ or ________.
Spondylosis, disc herniation
The ________ cervical roots are most frequently affected by compression.
Lower (C7)
The two main causes of non-compressive radiculopathy are ________ and ________
Diabetes, herpes zoster
Unlike radiculitis, which is almost always ________, radiculopathy can be ________.
Painful, Painless
The Spurling maneuver has a high ________ for cervical radiculopathy, but a low ________.
Specificity, sensitivity
________ and ________ is indicated when localizing signs and symptoms suggest a nerve root injury or symptoms are persistent.
Neuroimaging, electrodiagnostic testing
________ is the current imaging study of choice for initial evaluation of the cervical spine.
MRI
________ is the traditional “gold standard” for the diagnosis of foraminal compression.
CT myelography
Diagnosis of radiculopathy is usually confirmed by ________.
Needle electromyography (EMG)
Although imaging studies help with diagnosis of radiculopathy, it can be a ________ diagnosis.
Clinical
The axillary nerve innervates the _______ and the _______ and may be injured in a ________ fracture of the humerus.
Deltoid, teres minor, surgical neck
