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Sciatica (Lumbar Radiculopathy) (P)
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1. What physical examination test may reproduce sciatica symptoms?
*
Straight leg raise
Patellar reflex
Kernig’s sign
Romberg’s test
2. What is the typical duration of an acute sciatica episode?
*
12 months
3–5 months
1–2 days
4–6 weeks
3. Which of the following is least likely to improve sciatica symptoms?
*
Exercise therapy
Pain relief
Maintaining good posture
Prolonged immobility
4. Which nerve roots are most commonly involved in sciatica?
*
L4, L5, and S1
T7 and T8
L1 and L2
C5 and C6
5. Which of the following treatments is used when conservative measures fail in sciatica?
*
Botulinum toxin
Antiviral therapy
Epidural corticosteroid injection
Joint aspiration
6. Which of the following is a conservative treatment for sciatica?
*
Prolonged bed rest
Physiotherapy and analgesia
Corticosteroid implants
Emergency surgery
7. Which imaging modality is preferred when red flags are present in sciatica?
*
Pelvic X-ray
MRI of the lumbar spine
CT abdomen •
Ultrasound of back
8. What is the most common cause of sciatica?
*
Lumbar disc herniation
Sacroiliitis
Piriformis syndrome
Hip osteoarthritis
9. What feature might indicate a disc prolapse at L5-S1?
*
Reduced biceps reflex
Absent jaw jerk
Weakness of plantar flexion
Hyperreflexia in arms
10. What is the main goal of physiotherapy in sciatica?
*
Stimulate the immune system
Increase core temperature
Promote muscle wasting
Reduce nerve root compression and improve mobility
11. When should urgent referral be considered in sciatica?
*
Night-time awakening
Suspected cauda equina syndrome
Back stiffness only
Leg cramps
12. What role do oral corticosteroids play in acute sciatica?
*
Used long-term
First-line in children
Generally not recommended
Essential for all patients
13. Which exercise advice is appropriate for patients with sciatica?
*
Remain in bed for one week
Avoid all activity
Stay active and avoid prolonged rest
Twerking
14. Which of the following symptoms warrants same-day assessment in a patient with sciatica?
*
Pain when walking
Muscle cramps
Saddle anaesthesia
Limp
15. Which lifestyle factor is a known risk factor for sciatica?
*
Veganism
Low-fat diet
Frequent swimming
Sedentary lifestyle
16. Which complication may arise from untreated severe disc herniation?
*
Frozen shoulder
Neck strain
Tension headache
Cauda equina syndrome
17. Which of the following features supports a diagnosis of sciatica over mechanical back pain?
*
No neurological symptoms
Radiating pain below the knee
Improvement with rest
Pain localised to lumbar spine
18. Which of the following medications is recommended as first-line for sciatica pain?
*
Gabapentin as monotherapy
Paracetamol or NSAIDs
Opioids as first-line
Oral steroids
19. Which of the following is a red flag symptom in a patient with sciatica?
*
Bowel or bladder dysfunction
Tingling in the foot
Pain with sitting
Mild limp
20. What is sciatica?
*
Pain radiating along the sciatic nerve pathway
Hip joint inflammation
Compression of the femoral nerve
Pain isolated to the lower back