05.3 System lesions

Question 1

What are some signs of an upper motor neurone lesion?

Answer 1

Hyperreflexia
Hypertonia
Spastic paralysis
Positive Babinski sign
Clonus
Pronator Drift
Disdiadochokinesia

Question 2

What are some signs of a lower motor neurone lesion?

Answer 2

Hyporeflexia/areflexia
Hypotonia/atonia
Early muscle atrophy
Fasciculations

Question 3

What are some bladder related consequences of a lower motor neurone lesion?

Answer 3

Loss of parasympathetic/afferent neurones lead to overflow incontinence.
(Autonomous bladder)

Question 4

What are some bladder related consequences of an upper motor neurone lesion?

Answer 4

Upper motor neurone damage above T12 can cause loss of descending inhibitory control leading to urge incontinence
(Automatic reflex bladder)

Question 5

What can cause cauda equina syndrome?

Answer 5

Disc herniation
Tumour
Trauma

Question 6

What are symptoms/signs of cauda equina syndrome?

Answer 6

Back pain
Saddle anaesthesia
Ballder/bowel incontinence
Paraplegia/leg weakness
Sexual dysfunction
Ankle reflex not present