Which pattern would you expect with cervical radiculopathy?

• A. Isolated nerve-specific deficit in peripheral nerve
• B. Non-dermatomal sensory loss
• C. Dermatomal/myotomal pattern of weakness with reflex changes
• D. Symmetric proximal muscle weakness

Answer: (C)

Cervical radiculopathy arises from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve root, so the deficits follow that root’s distribution. You’d see sensory loss in a single dermatomal band and weakness in the muscles that are innervated by that same root (a specific myotome), often with reduced reflexes in the corresponding reflex arc. This combination—dermatomal sensory loss plus myotomal weakness and reflex changes—fits a root-level problem.

Other patterns don’t fit as neatly. An isolated deficit in a peripheral nerve follows that nerve’s own distribution, not a single dermatomal pattern. Non-dermatomal sensory loss isn’t confined to a single root. Symmetric proximal weakness points more to a myopathy or a generalized neuropathy rather than a focal cervical nerve root issue.