[Cervical disc herniation--diagnosis and treatment]

Revue Medicale Suisse
|December 18, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Cervical disc herniation (CDH) often resolves with conservative treatment. Surgery is recommended for persistent radiculopathy or symptomatic cervical myelopathy.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Orthopedics

Context:

  • Cervical disc herniation (CDH) is a common condition encountered in primary care.
  • CDH can lead to nerve root compression (radiculopathy) or spinal cord compression (myelopathy).

Purpose:

  • To outline the diagnostic and treatment considerations for cervical disc herniation.
  • To differentiate between conservative and surgical management strategies based on clinical presentation.

Summary:

  • Most cervical disc herniations (CDHs) are managed conservatively.
  • Surgical intervention is indicated for radiculopathy with specific clinical-radiological correlations, sudden or progressive neurological deficits, intractable pain despite conservative care, or symptomatic cervical myelopathy.

Impact:

  • Provides clear guidelines for managing cervical disc herniations.
  • Aids clinicians in determining appropriate treatment pathways, optimizing patient outcomes.
  • Highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis for effective therapeutic decision-making.

Related Concept Videos