Damage to the sacral plexus results in what symptom?

Damage to the sacral plexus results in what symptom?

• A. Upper limb pain
• B. Facial numbness
• C. Lower limb pain
• D. Neck pain

Answer: (C)

The sacral plexus innervates the nerves that go to the lower limb. It is formed by the ventral rami of S1–S4 (with possible input from L4–L5 via the lumbosacral trunk) and gives off nerves such as the sciatic nerve, tibial and common peroneal branches, gluteal nerves, pudendal, and posterior femoral cutaneous nerves. When this plexus is damaged, the resulting disruption affects motor and sensory pathways to the thigh, leg, and foot, producing pain felt in the lower limb. In contrast, pain in the upper limb, face, or neck would involve the brachial plexus, trigeminal/facial nerves, or cervical nerves, not the sacral plexus.

The sacral plexus innervates the nerves that go to the lower limb. It is formed by the ventral rami of S1–S4 (with possible input from L4–L5 via the lumbosacral trunk) and gives off nerves such as the sciatic nerve, tibial and common peroneal branches, gluteal nerves, pudendal, and posterior femoral cutaneous nerves. When this plexus is damaged, the resulting disruption affects motor and sensory pathways to the thigh, leg, and foot, producing pain felt in the lower limb. In contrast, pain in the upper limb, face, or neck would involve the brachial plexus, trigeminal/facial nerves, or cervical nerves, not the sacral plexus.