SPINAL NERVE ROOT COMPRESSION AND PERIPHERAL NERVE DISORDERS Group A – AHD Dr. Gary Greenberg

Objectives Review Assessment and Management of Important Spinal Nerve Disorders Involving the Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar Spine. Review Assessment and Management of Common Peripheral Nerve Disorders. Review Assessment of Important Mono/Polyneuropathies.

Case 1 70 year old male, history of mild neck pain for 2 yrs. Gradual worsening mid cervical pain for 1 month. Radiating down right arm to hand. Numbness, tingling and weakness. Now pain severe, unremitting. Unable to sleep in spite of taking Tylenol #3. What historical factors would help you assess this patient?

RED FLAGS What are some of the RED FLAGS that come up in taking a history that make you think there might be a more serious condition present?

What physical examination findings would you look for?

Case 1 What are some of the causes of Neck Pain + Radicular Pain + Weakness ?

Neck Pain Can Cervical Disc Disease cause gait disturbance? Are Neoplastic mets to C-spine common? What is the classic presentation of Neoplastic mets to the C-spine? Is fever a common finding in infection of the C- spine? Name important risk factors for infection in the C- spine.

Cervical Radiculopathy Describe the incidence, Reflex, Sensory and motor loss for the following levels involved: C5 radiculopathy. C6 radiculopathy C7 radiculopathy. C8 radiculopathy.

Cervical Imaging What is the value of a C-spine x-ray? When should an MRI be ordered? When should a CT scan be ordered?

Neck Pain How long does it take for most neck pain from non pathological causes to resolve? What factors may extend that time frame?

Thoracic Pain Name some common causes of persistent thoracic back pain. What is the most common tumor to cause mets to the thoracic spine? If a Thoracic Spinal nerve is compressed, is there motor weakness? If the spinal cord is compressed, what are the clinical findings ?

Case 2 45 year old male. Acute onset low back pain radiating down left leg to toes. Initial Rx Tylenol & Advil. After 1 week, severe constant unremitting pain in left leg. Unable to sit, bend forward, sleep. What historical features should be asked?

Questions What levels are the most common sites for fractures of the lumbar spine? What levels are the most common sites for disc herniations? What cancers metastasize to the lumbar spine?

RED FLAGS What are some of the RED FLAGS that might come up in a history of low back pain that make you think there might be a more serious condition present?

Sciatica How often does sciatica due to disc herniation occur in low back pain patients? How often does sciatica due to disc herniation go on to develop quada equinae? Generally what nerve root does the L4-5 disk herniation affect? Why do most sciatica patients get better over time and do not require surgery? What is the value of SLR, reflexes in the examination of sciatica?

Assessment Describe the motor, sensory, reflex findings for the following nerve root compressions: L1 L2 L3 L4 L5 S1 S2-4

Imaging What is the value of plain x-rays of the lumbar spine? What is the value of a CT scan of the lumbar spine? What is the value of MRI of the lumbar spine?

Treatment of Back pain Most patients have non specific low back pain. Most have pain resolution in 4 weeks. Subacute LBP last 4-2 weeks. Chronic LBP lasts > 12 weeks. WHAT WOULD BE POSSIBLE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR LOW BACK PAIN ?

Surgery for Sciatica What are the indications for surgery for sciatica?

Spinal Stenosis Describe the features of a patient with Spinal Stenosis?

Cauda Equinae Describe the clinical features of Cauda Equina. What are some of the causes? How do you check for anal tone? What amount of residual post void urine would qualify as urinary retention? What is the imaging of choice?

Other Peripheral Nerve Compression Syndromes Median Nerve Entrapment- Carpal Tunnel, Pronator Teres Syndromes. Ulnar Nerve Compression- at elbow, at wrist. Radial Nerve Compression- Spiral groove, posterior interosseus.

Median Nerve Compression Describe the causes, symptoms and clinical findings of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Median Nerve- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Describe the initial treatment for Carpal Tunnel. Are NSAIDS useful? Predictive factors for failure of conservative measures? Place for surgery?

Median Nerve – Pronator Teres Syndrome What are the different features compared to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Ulnar Nerve Compression Describe the findings of ulnar nerve compression at the elbow. Describe ulnar nerve compression at the wrist.

Radial Nerve Compression Describe the findings of Radial nerve compression at the spiral groove. Describe the findings of Posterior interosseus Neuropathy.

Mono and Polyneuropathies Important to know if sensorimotor findings are: Symmetric or Asymmetric. Distal or distal and proximal. Sensory only, Motor only or mixed.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome What is Guillain- Barre Syndrome? Describe the symptoms and findings.

Guillain Barre Syndrome Describe the lab and imaging abnormalities:

Guillain Barre Syndrome What is the treatment for GBS?

Distal Symmetric Polyneuropathy Describe the sensory findings. What are the most common causes. Describe the findings in Diabetic neuropathy:

Diabetic Neuropathy Describe treatment options for Diabetic Neuropathy.

Mononeuropathy Multiplex Describe the sensory and motor findings Name the most common 2 causes:

Anterior horn cell Neuronopathy- ALS Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Describe the motor, sensory findings. What are the Upper and Lower motor neuron signs seen?

ALS What test confirms the diagnosis. What are treatment options..

Sensory Neuronopathies What structures are affected. Describe the physical findings.

Sensory Neuronopathy List some causes and diagnostic aides.