Ataxia/Cerebellar Lesions

Question 1

superior cerebellar peduncle is input/output? and is from/to where?

Answer 1

output to red nucleus/thalamus

Question 2

middle cerebellar peduncle is input/output? and is from/to where?

Answer 2

input from pons…motor info

Question 3

inferior cerebellar peduncle is input/output? and is from/to where?

Answer 3

input from medulla about spinocerebellar tracts and vestibular sense

Question 4

the vermis of the cerebellum is in charge of what?

Answer 4

proximal limn and truncal coordination

Question 5

the intermediate zone is charge of what in cerebellum?

Answer 5

distal limb coordination

Question 6

the lateral hemisphere is in charge of what in cerebellum?

Answer 6

motor planning for extremities

Question 7

what is definition of ataxia

Answer 7

failure to produce smooth motor action…jerky/uncoordinated

Question 8

what is sensory ataxia?

Answer 8

lesions affecting sensory input (posterior columns/spinocerebellar tracts) to the cerebellum

Question 9

what can ppl with sensory ataxia compensate with?

Answer 9

vision

Question 10

what is motor ataxia?

Answer 10

cerebellar ataxia that leads to uncoordinated motor movement

Question 11

what is most common inherited ataxia?

Answer 11

Friedrichs ataxia

Question 12

what is inheritance in friedrichs ataxia?

Answer 12

AR

Question 13

what is the type of ataxia in Friedrichs ataxia?

Answer 13

gait ataxia

Question 14

what is sensory loss in Friedrichs ataxia?

Answer 14

proprioceptive and superficial sensory loss

Question 15

where is weakness in Friedrichs ataxia?

Answer 15

extremities

Question 16

what is Friedrichs ataxia associated with?

Answer 16

cardiomyopathy
scoliosis
blindness/deafness
diabetes

Question 17

what is the foot deformity in Friedrichs ataxia?

Answer 17

pes cavus…high arch

Question 18

pes cavus is found in what?

Answer 18

Friedrichs ataxia

Question 19

what is pathology of Friedrichs ataxia?

Answer 19

loss of sensory ganglion cells and degen of their axons

Question 20

where does loss of sensory ganglion cells and degeneration of axons occur in Friedrichs ataxia?

Answer 20

peripheral nerves
dorsal roots
posterior columns

Question 21

explain how loss of sensory ganglion and degen of axons in Friedrichs ataxia leads to ataxia?

Answer 21

deprives cerebellum of sensory input needed to coordinate movement

Question 22

what is genetics of Friedrichs ataxia?

Answer 22

GAA trinucleotide expansion

Question 23

what is MELAS?

Answer 23

mitochondrial encephalopathy lactic acidosis stroke like episodes

Question 24

what is issue in MELAS?

Answer 24

mitochondria

Question 25

what are three symptoms of MELAS?

Answer 25

exercise intolerance
migraines
seizures

Question 26

what is outlook for those with MELAS?

Answer 26

progressive decline in fxn

Question 27

what is MERRF?

Answer 27

mitochondrial epilepsy with ragged red fibers

Question 28

what is issue in MERFF?

Answer 28

mitochondria

Question 29

what are the main motor symptoms of MERFF?

Answer 29

myoclonus
myopathy
progressive spasticity

Question 30

what brain symptom can occur in MERFF?

Answer 30

seizures

Question 31

what is outlook for those with MERFF?

Answer 31

gradual decline in fxn

Question 32

what nutritional problem can lead to ataxia?

Answer 32

chronic alcohol abuse

Question 33

what is dysmetria?

Answer 33

inability to gauge distances

Question 34

romberg sign tests what?

Answer 34

proprioception, vestibular system and vision

Question 35

positive romberg sign means what?

Answer 35

sensory ataxia

Question 36

romberg test is good at differentiating what two things?

Answer 36

sensory and motor ataxia