Radiculopathies and Neuropathies

“Radiculopathies” are disorders of nerve roots, whereas “neuropathies” are disorders of the peripheral nerve. These disorders may involve single roots or nerves, multiple roots or nerves, and even other aspects of the nervous system. This chapter reviews the anatomy and pathophysiology of the peripheral nervous system; the general approach to radiculopathies and neuropathies, including clinical manifestations and localization, diagnostic studies, and treatment; radiculopathies, including anatomy, cervical radiculopathy, lumbosacral radiculopathy, thoracic radiculopathy, and cauda equina syndrome; and neuropathies, including  mononeuropathies and polyneuropathies. Tables describe the innervation of select nerve roots and peripheral nerves, differences between root and nerve lesions, commonly used neuropathic pain medications, distinctive patterns of neuropathy with limited differential diagnoses, differential diagnosis of demyelinating polyneuropathy, drugs that may cause polyneuropathy, and neuropathies associated with diabetes mellitus. Figures show the anatomy of a spinal segment, nerve fascicles, ultrasound images of the median nerve, magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbosacral spine, the Spurling maneuver, and physical examination maneuvers for lumbosacral radiculopathies. This chapter contains 6 highly rendered figures, 8 tables, 77 references, and 5 MCQs.