| When
a nerve root is pressed upon at the region it leaves the spinal canal,
a patient may suffer weakness, sensory loss, and a change in a muscular
reflex, all within the region of the distribution of that nerve.
For example, an S1 radiculopathy means that the S1 nerve is being
pressed upon, and one might expect to find changes associated with
the functions the nerve serves. With S1, there may be weakness
of the gastrocnemius muscle (standing on the toes), numbness to the
outside of the foot, and a loss of the ankle reflex. Different
nerves will have different patterns of changes seen, and in some cases,
there may be sensory loss but no motor (strength) changes. |
Glossary 
