In patients with cervical radiculopathy, which symptom typically occurs?

• A. Referred pain only
• B. Unilateral weakness
• C. Bilateral sensory loss
• D. Symmetric muscle strength

Answer: (B)

In patients with cervical radiculopathy, unilateral weakness is a typical symptom because this condition is characterized by nerve root compression or irritation resulting from cervical spine issues, such as herniated discs or degenerative changes. When a specific nerve root is affected, it innervates the muscles and sensory regions corresponding to that root. Therefore, weakness will generally manifest on one side of the body where the affected nerve root supplies the muscles, rather than bilaterally.

Unilateral weakness indicates that there is a specific pathway being compromised, limiting the function of the muscles on one side. This phenomenon is directly related to the distribution of nerve roots and the muscles they innervate, illustrating the localized nature of the dysfunction in cervical radiculopathy. Furthermore, symptoms can also include sensory deficits and pain in the affected areas, but the unilateral weakness distinctly represents this condition by pointing to the confirmed involvement of a particular cervical nerve root.