The utility of proximal nerve conduction studies in the diagnosis of cervical 6 and 7 radiculopathy

Abstract EN

Twenty patients complaining of unilateral C6, C7 radiculopathy and 10 control subjects were included in this study.

Various electrophysiological tests were done for them.

Peripheral nerve conduction studies showed no abnormality in any of the patients.

Using spinal EMG, abnormalities were found in 55%, while dermatomal EMG showed abnormalities in 40% of cases.

The F-response was abnormal in 20%.

SEP were abnormal in 50%.

Cervical spinal root stimulation showed abnormal latency in 25% and abnormal amplitude in 80%.

In conclusion, we found that proximal nerve conduction studies are more sensitive and that cervical spinal root stimulation is the most sensitive in the diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy.