Neurology

Question 1

what are the three major clinical signs of motor unit disease?

Answer 1

reduced reflexes
muscle atrophy
reduced muscle tone

Question 2

what are the three neuromuscular localisations?

Answer 2

peripheral nerves (neuropathy)
neuromuscular junction
muscle (myopathy)

Question 3

what gait abnormalities are seen with neuromuscular disease?

Answer 3

reduced stride length
bunny hopping
fatigue

Question 4

how can a neuropathy be distinguished from other neuromuscular locaisations?

Answer 4

possible sensory deficits (myopathy and junctionopathy will have sensation)

Question 5

are junctionopathies focal or generalised?

Answer 5

always generalised

Question 6

what is the differential for acute onset generalised neuropathy?

Answer 6

polyadiculoneuritis

Question 7

what are the differentials for acute onset generalised junctionopathy?

Answer 7

myasthenia gravis
botulism
organophosphate toxicity

Question 8

what are the differentials for acute onset generalised myopathy?

Answer 8

polymyositis (immune mediated/infectious)
electrolyte abnormalities - hypokalaemia, Addisons…

Question 9

what initial diagnostic tests are run for suspected neuromuscular disease?

Answer 9

haematology
biochemistry - electrolytes, glucose, creatine kinase, cholesterol
urinalysis (myoglobinuria)