Sciatica

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Cauda equina

Sciatic nerve

Sciatic nerve damage

Neuropathy - sciatic nerve; Sciatic nerve dysfunction

• Sensation changes
  • Of the back of the calf or the sole of the foot
  • Numbness, decreased sensation
  • Tingling, burning sensation
  • Pain, may be severe
  • Abnormal sensations
• Weakness of the knee or foot
  • Difficulty walking
  • Inability to move the foot (in severe cases)
  • Inability to bend the knee (in severe cases)

Sciatica might be revealed by a neuromuscular examination of the legs by a physician. There may be weakness of knee bending or foot movement, or difficulty bending the foot inward or down. Reflexes may be abnormal, with weak or absent ankle-jerk reflex. Pain down the leg can be reproduced by lifting the leg straight up off the examining table.

Tests that reveal sciatic nerve dysfunction may include:

• EMG (a recording of electrical activity in muscles)
• Nerve conduction tests

Tests are guided by the suspected cause of the dysfunction, as suggested by the history, symptoms, and pattern of symptom development. They may include various blood tests, x-rays, MRIs, or other tests and procedures.

Review Date: 09/21/2006
Reviewed By: Jeffrey Kauffman, MD, Sacramento Knee and Sports Medicine, Sacramento, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.