spinal neurology Flashcards
What’s sciatica
Pain radiating along sciatic nerve which runs through lower back through buttock to lower leg and foot. Also causes numbness ,tingling and burning sensation usually on one side of the body.
Pain worse with sitting and better by standing
Diagnosis- by straight leg raising sign. (30-70 degree raising will produce pain and paresthesia but not back pain)
Dermatomes affected in L5/S1 sciatica are S1,L5, L4.( posterior aspect and lateral lower edge)
Weakness of plantarflexion, leg extension( gluteus Maximus) , toe flexion are affected.
LOSS OF ANKLE REFLEX+
Knee reflex is by L3, L4 nerve roots
Ankle dorsiflexion, eversion, sensation of lateral aspect of the leg are innovated by L5 , that’s affected by L4/L5 disc prolapse.
What’s true sciatica
Disc herniation
