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Syndrome of the cervical plexus caused by high cervical nerve root compression
1Department of Neurosurgery, Allegheny General Hospital, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh.
Neurosurgery
|April 1, 1991
Summary
Cervical plexus root lesions can cause a rare syndrome, often involving the C3-C4 disc space. Symptoms include facial or ear pain and sensory impairment, with only 10 cases found in 1000 surgeries.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Anatomy
Background:
- Cervical plexus root lesions can manifest as an underrecognized clinical syndrome.
- The C3-C4 disc space is frequently implicated, but other levels like C2-C3 and C5 roots can also be affected.
Observation:
- Patients present with paresthesia or episodic shock-like pain in the ear, para-auricular, lower occipital, and mandibular regions.
- Symptoms are often triggered by head movements such as turning or extension.
- Sensory impairment in cervical plexus innervation areas may be observed on examination.
Findings:
- This syndrome is rare, identified in only 10 out of 1000 cases undergoing cervical decompression for disc disease.
- Facial, auricular, or retroauricular pain can result from C5 root compression.
- Diaphragmatic motor innervation may also be compromised.
Implications:
- Recognition of this syndrome is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment of specific cervical spine pathologies.
- Understanding the anatomical basis aids in differentiating symptoms from other neurological conditions.
- Further research may elucidate the full spectrum and prevalence of this rare condition.