Variation of Spurling's Test. With the second position (head side flexion, rotation and extension) tests for vertebral artery compression.
Position:
Seated
Performance:
Patient side flexes the head and then rotates it to the same side (look at shoulder).Examiner carefully presses down on the head. Performed bilaterally
For maximum compression the head can also be taken in extension (as well as side flexion and rotation) and compression is applied. This position may also compress vertebral artery. Compression should be held for 20-30 seconds.
Positive:
+ Pain on the concave side (side of flexion) indicates nerve root or facet joint pathology.
+ Pain on the convex side (side of extension) indicates muscle strain.
+ Vertebral artery compression indicated positive if symptoms like dizziness, nausea, feeling of fainting are elicit.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
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