How to prepare for a video visit about Cervical Radiculopathy - Triage

Audience: pediatric

Cervical radiculopathy happens when a nerve in the neck is pinched or irritated, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the arm or hand. If your child has these symptoms, a video visit with a healthcare provider can help decide the next steps. Preparing well for the video visit makes it easier to share important details and get the right advice. During the visit, the provider may ask about your child's symptoms, medical history, and may guide you through simple movements to check the neck and arm. Telemedicine can help with initial advice, symptom management, and deciding if in-person care is needed. However, some serious symptoms require urgent in-person evaluation. This guide will help you prepare for the visit, understand what to expect, and know when to seek emergency care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden weakness or numbness in both arms or legs — seek emergency care immediately.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control — go to the emergency room right away.
• Severe neck pain following an injury — get urgent medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and triage.
• Guidance on symptom management and home care.
• Determining if in-person evaluation or tests are needed.
• Providing follow-up advice after initial treatment.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing detailed physical examinations requiring hands-on assessment.
• Ordering or conducting imaging tests directly.
• Managing severe or rapidly worsening neurological symptoms.
• Providing emergency interventions or surgeries.

What is Cervical Radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy is when nerves in the neck get pinched or irritated. This can happen because of a herniated disc, bone spurs, or injury. It often causes pain that travels from the neck down the arm. Your child might also feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in their arm or hand. These symptoms can affect daily activities like writing or playing.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

During the video visit, the healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, such as when they started and how severe they are. They may ask about any recent injuries or illnesses. You might be asked to help your child perform simple neck and arm movements to check for pain or weakness. The provider will use this information to decide if your child needs further tests or in-person care.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine can provide quick access to a healthcare provider who can listen to your concerns and guide you on next steps. It is useful for initial assessment, managing mild symptoms, and deciding if your child needs to see a specialist or go to a clinic. Telemedicine can also help with follow-up visits after treatment starts.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Some symptoms need urgent medical attention. If your child has sudden weakness or numbness in both arms or legs, trouble walking, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe neck pain after an injury, seek emergency care immediately. These signs may mean serious nerve or spinal cord problems.

Tips to Prepare for the Video Visit

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How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area with stable internet for the video visit.
• Have your child's symptom details ready, including onset and severity.
• Gather any previous medical records or imaging results if available.
• Prepare to assist your child with simple neck and arm movements during the visit.
• Write down any questions or concerns to discuss with the provider.
• Ensure a responsible adult is present to support your child during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the provider's advice on symptom management and activity modifications.
• Schedule any recommended in-person visits or diagnostic tests promptly.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and note any changes or new signs.
• Seek emergency care if red flag symptoms develop.
• Keep a record of treatments and follow-up plans for future visits.

FAQs

What causes cervical radiculopathy in children?

In children, cervical radiculopathy can be caused by injury, inflammation, or less commonly by structural changes like herniated discs. Sometimes, infections or tumors may also affect the nerves. A healthcare provider can help determine the cause based on symptoms and tests.

Can a video visit replace an in-person exam for cervical radiculopathy?

A video visit is helpful for initial assessment and deciding if your child needs in-person care. However, some physical exams and tests require being seen in person. If symptoms are severe or worsening, an in-person visit is important.

How can I help my child during the video visit?

Make sure your child is comfortable and understands the process. Help them perform simple neck and arm movements as the provider guides you. Provide clear information about symptoms and answer questions honestly. Having a calm environment helps the visit go smoothly.

What treatments might be recommended?

Treatment often includes rest, pain relief, physical therapy, and avoiding activities that worsen symptoms. In some cases, medications or further tests may be needed. The healthcare provider will tailor advice based on your child's specific situation.

When should I call for emergency help?

Call emergency services if your child suddenly loses strength or feeling in both arms or legs, cannot walk, loses bladder or bowel control, or has severe neck pain after an injury. These signs need immediate medical attention.

Sources

1. Cervical Radiculopathy — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Cervical Radiculopathy: Symptoms and Diagnosis — Mayo Clinic.
3. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Pediatric Cervical Radiculopathy — American Academy of Pediatrics.

This telemedicine guide is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for in-person medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. If your child has severe or worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.