Radiculopathy

Question 1

What is radiculopathy?

Answer 1

conduction block in the axons of a spinal nerve or its roots, with impact on motor axons causing weakness + on sensory axons causing paraesthesia +/or anaesthesia.

Question 2

What causes radiculopathy?

Answer 2

nerve compression

Question 3

List 5 common causes of nerve compression

Answer 3

Intervertebral disc prolapse
Degenerative diseases of the spine 
Fracture
Malignancy (usually metastatic)
Infection e.g. extradural abscesses, osteomyelitis (TB (‘Pott’s disease’)), or Herpes Zoster

Question 4

What is radicular pain described as?

Answer 4

burning
Deep
Strap-like/ narrow

Question 5

What diagnosis must you exclude before diagnosing radiculopathy? What is this characterised by?

Answer 5

Cauda Equina Syndrome
Faecal incontinence
Urinary retention (painless, with secondary overflow incontinence)
Saddle anaesthesia

Question 6

List 5 symptoms of radiculopathy

Answer 6

Radicular pain
Weakness in limbs
Numbness
Parasthesia
Difficulty in controlling specific muscles

Question 7

Describe the epidemiology of radiculopathy

Answer 7

F > M

Age: 40-60

Question 8

Which parts of the spine are most commonly involved in radiculopathy?

Answer 8

Cervical

Lumar

Question 9

What investigations are performed for radiculopathy?

Answer 9

Examination of strength, sensation, + reflexes
X-ray
CT/ MRI