Red flags & when to go in person for Cervical Radiculopathy - Triage

Audience: pediatric

Cervical radiculopathy happens when a nerve in the neck is pinched or irritated. This can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in a child's neck, shoulder, arm, or hand. Often, symptoms improve with rest and simple care at home. However, some signs mean it's important to see a healthcare provider in person quickly. These include sudden weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe pain that does not get better. Telemedicine can help by offering advice, checking symptoms, and guiding families on care steps. But it cannot replace a full physical exam or urgent treatment when serious signs appear. This guide helps parents and caregivers understand when to seek in-person care for children with possible cervical radiculopathy and what to expect during telemedicine visits.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden weakness or inability to move the arms or legs — go to emergency care immediately.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control — seek urgent in-person medical attention.
• Severe neck or arm pain that does not improve with rest — arrange prompt medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking.
• Providing advice on pain management and activity modifications.
• Determining the urgency of symptoms and need for in-person care.
• Answering questions about cervical radiculopathy and care options.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a physical exam requiring hands-on assessment.
• Ordering or interpreting imaging tests like MRI or X-rays.
• Treating severe or rapidly worsening neurological symptoms.
• Managing emergency situations such as loss of bladder control.

What is Cervical Radiculopathy in Children?

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when nerves in the neck are compressed or irritated. In children, this can happen due to injury, inflammation, or other causes. Symptoms often include neck pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that may spread to the shoulder, arm, or hand. These symptoms can affect daily activities like playing or writing.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

Children with cervical radiculopathy may experience:

Symptoms often develop gradually but can sometimes appear suddenly after an injury.

When to Seek In-Person Medical Care

Certain signs require prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider in person:

If any of these occur, urgent care is needed to prevent complications.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows healthcare providers to:

Telemedicine is a good first step for mild symptoms or questions but cannot replace hands-on exams or imaging tests.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before the tele-visit, gather:

Having this ready helps the provider give the best advice.

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the provider’s instructions carefully. This may include:

Keep notes on any changes and report them as advised.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down all symptoms and when they started.
• Note any recent injuries or illnesses.
• List all current medications and allergies.
• Find a quiet, well-lit place for the telemedicine visit.
• Ensure device camera can show neck and arms clearly.
• Have a caregiver present to assist if needed.

After your tele-visit

• Follow provider’s advice on pain relief and rest.
• Watch for any worsening symptoms or new red flags.
• Schedule recommended follow-up appointments or tests.
• Contact healthcare provider if symptoms change or do not improve.
• Seek emergency care immediately if red flags appear.

FAQs

Can cervical radiculopathy get better on its own in children?

Yes, mild cases often improve with rest, avoiding activities that cause pain, and simple pain relief. However, monitoring symptoms is important to ensure they do not worsen.

What causes cervical radiculopathy in children?

It can be caused by neck injuries, inflammation, or sometimes growth-related changes. Less commonly, infections or tumors may cause nerve compression, so medical evaluation is important.

Is imaging always needed to diagnose cervical radiculopathy?

Not always. A healthcare provider may diagnose based on symptoms and physical exam. Imaging like MRI may be needed if symptoms are severe, worsening, or if red flags are present.

When should I take my child to the emergency room?

If your child has sudden weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, severe unrelenting pain, or fever with neck stiffness, seek emergency care immediately.

Can telemedicine replace in-person visits for cervical radiculopathy?

Telemedicine is helpful for initial assessment and advice but cannot replace physical exams or urgent care when serious symptoms occur.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child has serious or worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.