Which finding is most consistent with radiculopathy presenting at a single nerve root?

• A. Dermatomal sensory loss with corresponding myotomal weakness.
• B. Distal symmetric sensory loss in stocking-glove distribution.
• C. Global hyperreflexia with upper motor neuron signs.
• D. Symmetric weakness without sensory loss.

Answer: (A)

Radicular involvement at a single nerve root shows a match between sensory and motor findings in that root’s territory. You’d expect numbness or tingling in one dermatome and weakness in the muscles that receive input from the same root (a myotomal pattern), often with reduced reflexes in that same region. This focused, dermatomal–myotomal distribution is the hallmark of a single-root radiculopathy.

In contrast, distal stocking-glove sensory loss reflects a diffuse polyneuropathy affecting many nerves rather than one root, so it doesn’t localize to a single dermatomal/muscle pattern. Global hyperreflexia with upper motor neuron signs indicates central or spinal cord involvement, not a single nerve root. Symmetric weakness without sensory loss points to a myopathy or another non-radicular motor issue, where sensory pathways are spared.