Physical Address

304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124

Neck Pain And Left Arm Weakness


Consult Page

50M p/w worsening neck pain and new LUE weakness, cord compression on MRI

Initial Imaging

Fig. 35.1, Sagittal CT of the cervical spine without contrast demonstrates multilevel degenerative changes superimposed upon congenital stenosis of the spinal canal, worst at C3-C4 and C6-C7. There is also degenerative grade 1 anterolisthesis or subluxation at C7-T1.

Fig. 35.2, Sagittal (A) and axial (B) T2-weighted cervical spine MRI without contrast demonstrate multilevel degenerative changes most severe at C6-7 with narrowing of the canal to 5 mm. There is associated mild T2 hyperintensity within the cord at this level.

Walking Thoughts

  • ■

    What is the patient’s neurological exam? Are there any long tract findings?

  • ■

    What is the timeline of the patient’s symptoms?

  • ■

    What other symptoms does the patient have? Does he have any gait instability, or bowel and bladder symptoms?

  • ■

    Does the pain radiate into the arm in a dermatomal distribution?

  • ■

    Is there a history of any preceding trauma?

  • ■

    Does he take any anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications?

  • ■

    What other medical comorbidities does the patient have?

You're Reading a Preview

Become a Clinical Tree membership for Full access and enjoy Unlimited articles

Become membership

If you are a member. Log in here

Related Posts