57. Disorders of Motor Function

Question 1

Parkinson’s disease

Answer 1

Parkinson’s disease involves the progressive degeneration of dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra region of the brain. The loss of dopamine leads to abnormal nerve cell activity and impaired communication between different parts of the brain responsible for motor control. This results in the characteristic motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rLVU51Oeh0&ab_channel=OsmosisfromElsevier

Question 2

Cerebral palsy

Answer 2

Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the developing brain, often due to factors like infections, oxygen deprivation, or brain malformations. The exact pathophysiology can vary depending on the specific type of cerebral palsy, but it generally involves abnormal brain development, disrupted neuronal connections, and impaired motor control. This leads to difficulties in muscle tone, coordination, and voluntary movement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csKRVW-HN0E&ab_channel=OsmosisfromElsevier

Question 3

Multiple sclerosis:

Answer 3

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). This immune attack leads to inflammation, demyelination (loss of the protective myelin sheath), and the formation of scar tissue. As a result, nerve signals are disrupted, causing a wide range of motor symptoms, including weakness, coordination problems, and difficulties with balance and walking.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzH8ul5PSZ8&ab_channel=OsmosisfromElsevier

Question 4

Stroke

Answer 4

A stroke occurs when there is a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel in the brain. The lack of blood flow and oxygen to a specific area of the brain results in tissue damage and cell death. The extent and location of the brain damage determine the motor impairments that result from the stroke. Motor deficits can range from weakness or paralysis on one side of the body (hemiparesis or hemiplegia) to difficulties with coordination and balance.

Question 5

Muscular dystrophy

Answer 5

Muscular dystrophy refers to a group of genetic disorders characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. Different types of muscular dystrophy have different underlying genetic mutations, but they generally lead to abnormal production or structure of proteins necessary for muscle function. This results in the gradual replacement of muscle tissue with fatty or fibrous tissue, leading to muscle weakness, loss of motor function, and eventually, difficulties with mobility.

Question 6

Spinal cord injuries:

Answer 6

Spinal cord injuries can occur due to traumatic events like accidents or falls, resulting in damage to the spinal cord. The injury interrupts the transmission of nerve signals between the brain and the rest of the body below the level of the injury. This disruption leads to motor impairments, ranging from partial to complete paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the injury.