Findings indicating spinal cord compression include the following: A sensory level (an abrupt change in sensation below a horizontal line across the spine) Flaccid paraparesis or quadriparesis Reflex abnormalities below the site of compression Early-onset hyporeflexia followed later by hyperreflexia Sphincter dysfunction Diagnosis of Nerve Root Disorders Neuroimaging Sometimes electrodiagnostic tests Radicular symptoms require MRI or CT of the affected area.