The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognosis of motor function in patients that experience the combination of a sudden disappearance of radicular pain and severe motor paresis. Eight patients were identified over a ten year period. Operative decompression of the affected lumbar root with removal of a disc prolapse seems to have a good prognosis if the patient is not paralytic before surgery. Patients treated conservatively for radicular pain should be advised to call their doctor immediately if they experience progressive motor paresis and diminishing pain.