129; Weakness

Question 1

List some causes of Weakness

Answer 1

• Morot neurone damage
• NMJ disease
• Muscle disease
• Arthritis and joint pain
• Endocrine disorders
• Systemic diesese ee infection
• Fatigue

Question 2

Define:

Monoparesis

Paraparesis

Hemiparesis

Quadraparesis

Answer 2

Monoparesis

Weakness of a single limb

Paraparesis

Weakness of both legs

Hemiparesis

Weakness of one side

Quadraparesis

Weakness of all limbs

Question 3

Define:

Hemiplegia

Paraplegia

Answer 3

Hemiplegia:

Single side paralysis

Paraplegia:

Paralysis of both legs

Question 4

What do the following prefixes relate to?

Myelo-

Radiculo-

Neuro-

Myo-

Answer 4

Myelo- Spinal cord

Radiculo- Nerve root

Neuro- Peripheral nerve

Myo- Muscle

Question 5

What are the patterns of weakness in UMN pathology?

Answer 5

Generally:

Arm flexors stronger than extensors

Leg extensors stronger than flexors

Question 6

What are the patterns of weakness in LMN damage?

Answer 6

Weakness in the muscle innervated by that nerve

Question 7

What are the patterns of weakness in a Motor Peripheral Neuropathy?

Answer 7

Compression neuropathy: weakness of muscle innervated by that nerve

Demyelating neuropathy: Weakening of proximal antigravity muscles

Axonal Neuropathy: Distal weakness

Question 8

What are the patterns of weakness in a NMJ disease?

ee Myasthenia Gravis

Answer 8

Weakness of :

• Ocular
• Bulbar
• Respiratory
• Proximal limb muscles

Question 9

What are the patterns of weakness in Muscle disease?

Answer 9

• Primarily affects proximal muscles
  
  • difficulty getting from floor
  • Waddle walking
• Different conditions show predilection for different muscle groups
• Muscles may be wasted or hypertrophied (fat deposition)
• Reflexes are preserved

Question 10

What are the signs and symptoms of Cauda Equina?

Answer 10

• Bilateral Sciatica
• Saddle & genital anaesthesia
• Sphincter & sexual dysfunction
• Bilateral leg weakness