Differential Diagnosis for Cervical Radiculopathy
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Cervical Herniated Disc: This is the most common cause of cervical radiculopathy, where the herniated disc compresses or irritates the nerve root, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in the neck and arm.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Cervical Spondylosis: A condition characterized by wear and tear on the discs and joints in the neck, which can cause compression or irritation of the nerve roots.
- Cervical Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots, leading to radiculopathy.
- Cervical Osteophyte Formation: Bony growths that can compress or irritate the nerve roots, causing radiculopathy.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cervical Spinal Cord Compression: A serious condition that can cause significant neurological deficits, including paralysis, if not promptly treated.
- Epidural Abscess: A rare but potentially life-threatening infection that can compress the spinal cord and nerve roots.
- Cervical Fracture or Dislocation: Traumatic injuries that can cause instability and compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots.
- Tumor (Metastatic or Primary): Cancerous growths that can compress or invade the spinal cord and nerve roots, leading to radiculopathy.
Rare Diagnoses
- Pancoast Tumor: A rare type of lung cancer that can invade the brachial plexus and cause radiculopathy.
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A condition characterized by compression of the brachial plexus and subclavian artery, which can cause radiculopathy-like symptoms.
- Inflammatory or Autoimmune Disorders (e.g., Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis): Conditions that can cause inflammation and damage to the spinal cord and nerve roots, leading to radiculopathy.
- Infectious or Inflammatory Radiculitis (e.g., Lyme Disease, Herpes Zoster): Rare infections that can cause inflammation and damage to the nerve roots, leading to radiculopathy.