Which of the following symptoms could indicate a need for urgent assessment in patients with neck pain?

• A. Chronic stiffness
• B. Nighttime pain
• C. Increasing neurological deficits
• D. Dizziness

Answer: (C)

The presence of increasing neurological deficits in a patient with neck pain is a critical symptom that indicates a possible urgent need for assessment. Neurological deficits may suggest underlying conditions such as cervical spinal cord compression, herniated discs, or other serious cervical spine pathologies. These conditions can lead to permanent damage if not assessed and treated promptly. Symptoms may include weakness, numbness, tingling, or changes in reflexes, which highlight the necessity for immediate evaluation by a healthcare professional.

In contrast, chronic stiffness is often related to musculoskeletal issues that may not require urgent intervention, while nighttime pain can be concerning but is not necessarily indicative of an immediate medical crisis. Dizziness might suggest vestibular or neurological issues, but it does not directly point to the need for urgent intervention in the context of neck pain as much as neurological deficits do. Therefore, the acute worsening of neurological function demands prompt assessment to prevent further complications or irreversible damage.