L5/6: Neurological Systems and Examination Flashcards
(134 cards)
What is an upper motor neuron lesion?
Lesion above the anterior horn cell
Lesions in the CNS that create neurological injuries

Where are 3 places that an upper motor neuron lesion occur?
- spinal cord
- brain stem
- motor cortex

What are 3 examples of upper motor neuron lesions?
- Stroke
- traumatic brain injury
- spinal cord injury

What is an lower motor neuron lesion?
Lesion in the anterior horn cell or distal to the anterior horn cell

Where does an lower motor neuron lesion occur?
Cranial nerve nuclei/nerves and in spinal cord: anterior horn cell, spinal roots, peripheral nerve

What are 5 examples of lower motor neuron lesions?
- Polio
- Guillain Barre
- Peripheral nerve injury
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Radiculopathy

What is the comparison of upper motor neuron and lower motor neuron lesions: reflexes, strength and muscle bulk?

What is the effect of upper motor neuron lesion on reflexes?
Increased: hyperreflexia, clonus
What is the effect of upper motor neuron lesion on strength?
Weakness or Paralysis: ipsilateral or bilateral
What is the effect of upper motor neuron lesion on muscle bulk?
Disuse atrophy: variable, widespread distribution, especially of antigravity muscles
What is the effect of lower motor neuron lesion on reflexes?
Decreased or absent
What is the effect of lower motor neuron lesion on strength?
Ipsilateral weakness or paralysis; Limited distribution: segmental or focal pattern
What is the effect of upper motor neuron lesion on muscle bulk?
Neurogenic atrophy: rapid, focal distribution, severe wasting
What are 5 red flags for cord signs?
- Cervical spine: bilateral sensory symptoms in hands &feet
- Thoracic spine (maybe upper Lsp): bilateral sensory symptoms in feet
- Reports of unsteadiness with walking (Cervical – also clumsiness using hands)
- Weakness in groups of muscles
- Increased reflexes – below level Immediate medical referral necessary

Radiculopathy is always _____ (unilateral/bilateral). _____ (unilateral/bilateral) symptoms are always a red flag
unilateral; bilateral
- Have you had it for a long time?
- Have you had any previous medical injuries?
- Have you only noticed these pins and needles when your back pain started?
If a patient says they have bilateral numbness and/or pins and needles (upper motor neuron lesion) Does this require a medical referral?
If it is related to onset of symptoms and not usual for the patient
What are 2 red flags for cauda equina signs (lower motor neuron lesion)?
- Paraethesia, anaesthesia in the perineum
- Bladder retention, bowel dysfunction (incontinence)
Immediate medical referral
What are 3 questions to ask patient about if they have cauda equina signs (lower motor neuron lesion)?
- Have you had any changes in your bowel functions since your back pain started?
- Does it feel like you need to urine but you can’t - OR - Do you have any incontience?
- Have you had any P&;N, numbness or tingling around your groin area?
What are the 4 problems with having cauda equina (lower motor neuron lesion)?

Why is cauda equina a medical emergency?
If damaged and left untreated –> permanent effect

What is the main cause of cauda equina sign?
posterior disc herniation (as opposed to more common postero-lateral)

The prevalence of cauda equina among patients with low back pain is approximately ____ in 10 000
four
What are the 2 common levels that are affected by cauda equina?
- L4/5 level
- L5/S1 level
Patients may be predisposed to cauda equina if they have a congenitally ______ (wide/narrow) spinal canal or have acquired ______
narrow; spinal stenosis













