title: Electrodiagnosis of cervical radiculopathy.
abstract: Cervical radiculopathy is a common diagnosis with a peak onset in the fifth decade. The most commonly affected nerve root is C7, C6, and C8. The etiology is often compressive, but may arise from noncompressive sources. Patients commonly complain of pain, weakness, numbness, and/or tingling. Examination may reveal sensory or motor disturbance in a dermatomal/myotomal distribution. Neural compression and tension signs may be positive. Diagnostic tests include imaging and electrodiagnostic study. Electrodiagnostic study serves as an extension of the neurologic examination. Electrodiagnostic findings can be useful for patients with atypical symptoms, potential pain-mediated weakness, and nonfocal imaging findings.
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Care Services, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, VA Puget Sound, Rehabilitation Care Services (RCS-117), Seattle, WA 98108, USA. khakimi@uw.edu
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hakimi
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Spanier
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004568:Electrodiagnosis; D004576:Electromyography; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000175:diagnosis; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D010808:Physical Examination; D011843:Radiculopathy / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D021801:Zygapophyseal Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology