Differentiating brain lesion and spinal cord lesion

Question 1

In differentiating brain lesion and spinal cord lesion we compare which 2 conditions and take what into consideration?

Answer 1

• -UMN vs LMN Signs + Lesions*
• -If lesion is in brain cortex, that means the signal pathway is intact, and the*

symptom is corresponded to the lesion

(e.g. motor cortex lesion cause contralateral weakness or paralysis )

Question 2

• (differentiating brain lesion and spinal cord lesion)*
• If lesion is i_n the spinal cord_ that means what ?*

Answer 2

-If lesion is in the spinal cord, the signal pathway is damaged

● in descending pyramidal tract – ipsilateral

weakness(hemiplegia)

● in ascending dorsal column tract – ipsilateral loss of touch,

vibration and proprioception,

● in ascending lateral spinothalamic tract – loss of contralateral

pain and temperature sesation

Question 3

(differentiating brain lesion and spinal cord lesion)

If lesion is in half of the segment of the spinal cord, then we can observe?

Answer 3

• in descending pyramidal tract – ipsilateral

weakness(hemiplegia)

• in ascending dorsal column tract – ipsilateral loss of touch, vibration and proprioception,
• in ascending lateral spinothalamic tract – loss of contralateral pain and temperature sesation

Question 4

Lesion in the whole segment of spinal cord, we can obsever?

Answer 4

• loss all motor and sensory below the lesion

Question 5

Brain lesion:

Answer 5

headache, neck pain/stiffness, nausea/vomiting, vision changes, mood/behavioural changes,

confusion, memory loss, seizures, hemiparesis, facial paresis (CN VII related to brainstem!)

Question 6

Spinal cord lesion

Answer 6

• weakness/loss of motor control below the level of lesion - hyperreflexia, spasticity
• bowel/bladder dysfunction
• sexual dysfunction
• loss of perception of pain, temperature, proprioception below the level of lesion
• abnormal gait