C6 radiculopathy typically presents with weakness in which muscle groups?

C6 radiculopathy typically presents with weakness in which muscle groups?

• A. Biceps and wrist extensors
• B. Triceps
• C. Deltoids
• D. Quadriceps

Answer: (A)

Cervical radiculopathy at the C6 level causes weakness in muscles that are innervated by the C6 nerve root. The C6 root contributes to elbow flexors (biceps, via the musculocutaneous nerve) and to wrist extensors (e.g., extensor carpi radialis longus/brevis via radial nerve). So weakness of the biceps and of wrist extension is classically seen with C6 radiculopathy, often with a reduced biceps reflex and sensory changes over the lateral forearm and thumb/index finger. Weakness in the triceps points more toward C7 involvement, deltoid weakness suggests C5–C6 involvement but is less specific for the C6 radiculopathy pattern, and quadriceps weakness points to lumbar roots (L3–L4).

Cervical radiculopathy at the C6 level causes weakness in muscles that are innervated by the C6 nerve root. The C6 root contributes to elbow flexors (biceps, via the musculocutaneous nerve) and to wrist extensors (e.g., extensor carpi radialis longus/brevis via radial nerve). So weakness of the biceps and of wrist extension is classically seen with C6 radiculopathy, often with a reduced biceps reflex and sensory changes over the lateral forearm and thumb/index finger.

Weakness in the triceps points more toward C7 involvement, deltoid weakness suggests C5–C6 involvement but is less specific for the C6 radiculopathy pattern, and quadriceps weakness points to lumbar roots (L3–L4).