Ataxia/Cerebellar Lesions Flashcards
superior cerebellar peduncle is input/output? and is from/to where?
output to red nucleus/thalamus
middle cerebellar peduncle is input/output? and is from/to where?
input from pons…motor info
inferior cerebellar peduncle is input/output? and is from/to where?
input from medulla about spinocerebellar tracts and vestibular sense
the vermis of the cerebellum is in charge of what?
proximal limn and truncal coordination
the intermediate zone is charge of what in cerebellum?
distal limb coordination
the lateral hemisphere is in charge of what in cerebellum?
motor planning for extremities
what is definition of ataxia
failure to produce smooth motor action…jerky/uncoordinated
what is sensory ataxia?
lesions affecting sensory input (posterior columns/spinocerebellar tracts) to the cerebellum
what can ppl with sensory ataxia compensate with?
vision
what is motor ataxia?
cerebellar ataxia that leads to uncoordinated motor movement
what is most common inherited ataxia?
Friedrichs ataxia
what is inheritance in friedrichs ataxia?
AR
what is the type of ataxia in Friedrichs ataxia?
gait ataxia
what is sensory loss in Friedrichs ataxia?
proprioceptive and superficial sensory loss
where is weakness in Friedrichs ataxia?
extremities
what is Friedrichs ataxia associated with?
cardiomyopathy
scoliosis
blindness/deafness
diabetes
what is the foot deformity in Friedrichs ataxia?
pes cavus…high arch
pes cavus is found in what?
Friedrichs ataxia
what is pathology of Friedrichs ataxia?
loss of sensory ganglion cells and degen of their axons
where does loss of sensory ganglion cells and degeneration of axons occur in Friedrichs ataxia?
peripheral nerves
dorsal roots
posterior columns
explain how loss of sensory ganglion and degen of axons in Friedrichs ataxia leads to ataxia?
deprives cerebellum of sensory input needed to coordinate movement
what is genetics of Friedrichs ataxia?
GAA trinucleotide expansion
what is MELAS?
mitochondrial encephalopathy lactic acidosis stroke like episodes
what is issue in MELAS?
mitochondria
what are three symptoms of MELAS?
exercise intolerance
migraines
seizures
what is outlook for those with MELAS?
progressive decline in fxn
what is MERRF?
mitochondrial epilepsy with ragged red fibers
what is issue in MERFF?
mitochondria
what are the main motor symptoms of MERFF?
myoclonus
myopathy
progressive spasticity
what brain symptom can occur in MERFF?
seizures
what is outlook for those with MERFF?
gradual decline in fxn
what nutritional problem can lead to ataxia?
chronic alcohol abuse
what is dysmetria?
inability to gauge distances
romberg sign tests what?
proprioception, vestibular system and vision
positive romberg sign means what?
sensory ataxia
romberg test is good at differentiating what two things?
sensory and motor ataxia
