Neuromuscular Disorders Flashcards
What do upper motor neuron causes of neuromuscular disorders affect
the brain and spinal cord- result in weakeness and spasticity
What do lower motor neuron causes affect
anterior horn cells- result in weakness and reduced tone
What is cerebral palsy
neuromuscular disorder onset before aged 2/3 due to an insult to the immature brain during or after birth
what are the causes of cerebral palsy
genetic problems brain malformation intrauterine infection prematurity intra cranial haemorrhage hypoxia meningitis
What is the commonest expression of CP
spastic CP
Where does spastic CP effect
injury to the motor cortex, upper motor neurons or corticospinal tract resulting in weakness and spasticity which may worsen as the child grows
Name two other types of CP
Ataxic- affects the cerebellum (reduced balance and co ordination
and athetoid- extrapyramidal motor system (writhing)
What medications are givin in spastic CP
injections of Baclofen and botox reduces spasticity
What is spina bifida
A congenital disorder where the two halves of the posterior vertebral arch fail to fuse
What is the name of the mild form of spina bifida
spina bifida occulta
What is the more severe form of spina bifida
Spina bifida cystica
What happens in spina bifida cystica
the contents of the vertebral canal herniate through the defecr
What is the name for the herniation with meninges alone
Meningocoele
What is polio or poliomyelitis
a viral infection affecting the motor anterior horn cells of the spinal cord or brainstem resulting in lower motor neurone deficit
Describe the clinical features of polio
Flu like illness as virus enters the GI tract
Variable degree of paralysis usually affecting a group of muscles of one limb within 2-3 days.
residual paralysis can occur
