36 Questions
What is considered mild radiculopathy?
Sensory loss without motor deficits
What increases the need for earlier imaging in patients with radicular symptoms?
Severe radiculopathy
What is crucial for patients with radicular symptoms according to the text?
Weight loss reduction counseling
In patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy, what is common without treatment?
Spontaneous improvement
When is further imaging or emergent surgical intervention warranted for patients with radicular symptoms?
When symptoms worsen or are severe
What does the text emphasize discussing with patients experiencing radicular symptoms?
Weight loss reduction
What is the most common prognostic outcome for cases of lumbosacral radiculopathy?
Self-limited and spontaneous improvement
What is the recommended duration of conservative management before considering imaging for patients with abnormal neuroimaging findings?
6 weeks
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a condition that requires timely diagnosis to prevent serious consequences in patients with abnormal neuroimaging findings?
Herniated disc
What does an MRI provide in terms of views for patients with abnormal neuroimaging findings?
Both axial and sagittal views
Which of the following can be visualized using MRI in patients with abnormal neuroimaging findings?
Discs, ligaments, and nerve roots
Why is MRI preferred over plain radiographs for detecting spinal infection and malignancy in patients with abnormal neuroimaging findings?
MRI is more sensitive and specific
Which imaging modality is preferred for diagnosing vertebral infection?
MRI
What is one reason severe symptom intensity or red flag findings may prompt immediate imaging in patients with abnormal neuroimaging findings?
To prevent serious consequences
What is the most common cause of vertebral osteomyelitis?
Hematogenous spread of Staphylococcus aureus
In which scenario would patients with abnormal neuroimaging findings NOT usually receive immediate imaging according to the text?
When conservative management has been ineffective
At which levels of the lumbar spine do approximately 90% of compressive lumbosacral radiculopathies occur?
L5-S1
What blood tests are expected to show abnormal results in cases of vertebral infection?
All of the above
What percentage of cases of osteomyelitis are estimated to be caused by vertebral infection in the US?
3-5%
Which group of individuals is considered at higher risk for vertebral infection?
Patients with malnutrition
What symptoms are commonly associated with vertebral infection as it progresses?
Sensory loss and weakness
Which of the following disorders of musculoskeletal structures shows a clear relationship between anatomic abnormalities seen on imaging and symptoms?
Lumbar radiculopathy due to herniated disc
What is a serious but nonemergent systemic disease affecting the spine, requiring specific treatment but not urgently?
Inflammatory arthritis
Which condition requires specific and rapid diagnosis and treatment involving structures like the pelvis, renal structures, and GI structures?
Visceral disease
In the context of low back pain occurring with radicular pain, which condition involves central spinal canal stenosis?
Spondylosis
What condition presents as piriformis syndrome or iliotibial band syndrome in the differential diagnosis of low back pain with radiculopathy?
Degenerative Spinal stenosis
Which of the following is NOT a potential cause of acute low back pain with radiculopathy?
Facet hypertrophy
In the context of acute low back pain with radiculopathy, what may involve metastatic lesions and need to be considered in the differential diagnosis?
Neoplasms
What is the recommended approach for managing lumbar radiculopathy?
Staying active at a moderate level and returning to normal activities
When should additional interventions like injections be considered for lumbar radiculopathy?
If symptoms persist for over six weeks
What are the emergent complications associated with lumbar radiculopathy?
Cauda equina syndrome and severe lumbar radiculopathy
How does chronic pain develop in patients with lumbar radiculopathy?
After 6-12 weeks of pain onset
Which type of symptoms may indicate the need for immediate emergent evaluation in lumbar radiculopathy?
Red Flag symptoms
What is the impact of acute radicular pain on patients?
Loss of function and decreased quality of life
How can deconditioning affect patients with lumbar radiculopathy over time?
Resulting in muscle atrophy
Which intervention is NOT recommended for pain management in lumbar radiculopathy?
Bed rest
Learn about the recommendations for neuroimaging in patients with symptoms, including the use of conservative management and when to consider imaging options like radiography, MRI, and CT. Understand the importance of timely diagnosis for conditions such as cauda equina syndrome, malignancy, fracture, and infection.
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