Clinic Readiness Practice Test

In a patient with a radiculopathy, a reduced reflex at L5 most likely indicates involvement of which nerve root?

L4 L5 S1 L3

Correct Answer:

Explanation:

Radiculopathy signs follow the specific nerve root involved, so reflex and motor patterns map to that root. The L4 root mainly governs the patellar reflex, while the S1 root governs the Achilles reflex. When the L5 root is affected, you typically see weakness in dorsiflexion of the foot and extension of the big toe, and there may be a diminished reflex related to L5-innervated muscles. Therefore, a reduced reflex at the level associated with L5 most strongly points to involvement of the L5 nerve root.

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