What term describes disease of the nerve roots?

• A. Radiculopathy
• B. Neuropathy
• C. Myelopathy
• D. Plexopathy

Answer: (A)

Radiculopathy is the term for disease or pathology affecting the nerve roots as they exit the spine. When a root is irritated or compressed—by a herniated disc, foraminal stenosis, or inflammation—the symptoms follow the specific root’s distribution, causing pain, sensory changes, and sometimes weakness in the muscles that root supplies. This dermatomal pattern and possible reflex changes are key clues. It differs from neuropathy, which involves the peripheral nerves distal to the roots and often presents with distal, symmetric sensory loss or weakness. Myelopathy involves the spinal cord itself, leading to broader neurologic signs such as spasticity and gait disturbance. Plexopathy affects a network of nerves in a plexus (like the brachial or lumbosacral plexus) and typically shows patchier proximal weakness and pain not confined to a single dermatome.