What indicates C6 nerve root compression when differentiating from Median nerve entrapment?

What indicates C6 nerve root compression when differentiating from Median nerve entrapment?

• A. Increased biceps tendon reflex
• B. Decreased biceps tendon reflex
• C. Numbness in fingers
• D. Pain in the shoulder

Answer: (B)

When considering C6 nerve root compression in comparison to median nerve entrapment, a decreased biceps tendon reflex is a significant indicator. The C6 nerve root contributes to the innervation of the biceps muscle, and a reflex test for the biceps elicits the response from this nerve root. If there is compression of the C6 nerve root, its ability to convey reflex signals diminishes, resulting in a reduced or absent biceps tendon reflex. In contrast, median nerve entrapment typically does not affect the biceps reflex since this reflex primarily relies on the C5 and C6 nerve roots. Therefore, a decreased biceps tendon reflex can suggest that the issue lies with the cervical spine, specifically with the C6 nerve root, rather than with the median nerve, which is more associated with hand and wrist symptoms. Other symptoms such as numbness in fingers or pain in the shoulder can arise from various conditions and are not definitive indicators of C6 nerve root compression versus median nerve entrapment. These symptoms can overlap between these two conditions, making them less specific for differentiating between the two.

When considering C6 nerve root compression in comparison to median nerve entrapment, a decreased biceps tendon reflex is a significant indicator. The C6 nerve root contributes to the innervation of the biceps muscle, and a reflex test for the biceps elicits the response from this nerve root. If there is compression of the C6 nerve root, its ability to convey reflex signals diminishes, resulting in a reduced or absent biceps tendon reflex.

In contrast, median nerve entrapment typically does not affect the biceps reflex since this reflex primarily relies on the C5 and C6 nerve roots. Therefore, a decreased biceps tendon reflex can suggest that the issue lies with the cervical spine, specifically with the C6 nerve root, rather than with the median nerve, which is more associated with hand and wrist symptoms.

Other symptoms such as numbness in fingers or pain in the shoulder can arise from various conditions and are not definitive indicators of C6 nerve root compression versus median nerve entrapment. These symptoms can overlap between these two conditions, making them less specific for differentiating between the two.