105 - Disorders of Nerve Roots and Plexuses

Abstract

The hallmark of injury to spinal nerve roots (radiculopathy) or the brachial and lumbosacral plexuses (plexopathy) is significant pain, weakness, and sensory loss with the potential for significant functional disability. A fundamental understanding of both common and rare causes of damage to these structures is therefore critical to making a rapid and accurate diagnosis to limit the extent of injury and offer supportive care to a patient afflicted by a radiculopathy or plexopathy. In this chapter we first present a detailed understanding of the anatomy of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral spinal roots, as well as the brachial and lumbosacral plexuses. This is followed by an in-depth discussion of the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of the traumatic, structural, inflammatory, infectious, hereditary, and neoplastic causes of radiculopathy and plexopathy that every practicing neurologist should be familiar with.