2022 Workshop Handout Bundle-Cervical Radiculopathy/Brachial Plexopathy

Cervical Radiculopathy/Brachial Plexopathy - Ferrante/Hayat

Pdf Summary

This document provides an overview of the electrodiagnostic assessment of cervical radiculopathies and brachial plexopathies. The electrodiagnostic examination consists of nerve conduction studies (NCS) and needle electrode examination (NEE). The sensory NCS assess the sensory nerve fibers of the nerve under study and are useful for lesion localization. The motor NCS assess the peripheral neuromuscular system and are helpful for assessing lesion severity and determining underlying pathology. The NEE further refines the location and characterizes the lesion. The brachial plexus is composed of roots, trunks, divisions, cords, and terminal nerves. Various muscles and nerves are innervated by different levels of the brachial plexus. Cervical radiculopathies are usually due to root compression and involve sensory and motor symptoms. Sensory NCS may be normal in radiculopathies as they reflect preganglionic sensory involvement. Motor NCS may be abnormal depending on various factors. Sensory NCS are useful for localizing brachial plexopathies to specific regions. Motor NCS and NEE are performed to confirm the sensory NCS findings and to provide additional information about pathology and severity. The EDX assessment of brachial plexopathies is regional and requires an understanding of the motor and sensory fibers contained within the various elements of the brachial plexus. The document also provides figures illustrating the sensory and motor pathways of the brachial plexus and outlines a step-by-step approach to the EDX assessment of upper plexus, middle plexus, lower plexus, lateral cord, posterior cord, and medial cord disorders.

Keywords

electrodiagnostic assessment

cervical radiculopathies

brachial plexopathies

nerve conduction studies

needle electrode examination

lesion localization

underlying pathology

brachial plexus

sensory and motor symptoms

EDX assessment

ncs