Neuromuscular Disorders Flashcards
How does cerebral palsy occur?
An insult to the immature brain before 3 years of age
When can the insult causing cerebral palsy occur?
Before, during or after birth
What is the most common type of cerebral palsy? Where is the damage to the brain?
Spastic: damage to the motor cortex
Decreased coordination and balance is likely to occur in what type of cerebral palsy?
Ataxic (affects cerebellum)
Athetoid cerebral palsy affects the basal ganglia. What does it result in?
Uncontrolled writhing
Dystonic cerebral palsy affects the basal ganglia. What does it result in?
Repetitive movements
What are some MSK problems which can occur in a child with cerebral palsy?
Joint contractures, scoliosis and non-congenital hip dislocations
What is the most common type of spastic cerebral palsy? Where does this affect?
Hemiplegic- affects the ipsilateral arm and leg
Diplegic cerebral palsy affects where?
Both legs
An upper motor neurone problem causes what?
Weakness, spasticity and hyper-reflexes
Baclofen and Botox injections are treatments for what?
Muscle spasticity
What can spina bifida occulta result in?
High arched foot and clawing of toes
A tuft of hair over the defect is most likely to occur in what type of spina bifida?
Spina bifida occulta
What happens in spina bifida cystica?
Contents of the vertebral canal herniate through the defect
Does herniation of the meninges through the defect in spina bifida cause a neurological problem?
No
If the roots of the cauda equina herniate through the defect in spina bifida, what does this cause?
Motor and sensory deficit below the level of the defect
What is the main treatment of spina bifida occulta?
Early closure within 48 hours of birth
What is polio?
A viral infection of the anterior horn cells in the spinal cord/brainstem
What does polio cause?
Lower motor neurone deficit (weakness, reduced tone, loss of reflexes)
Where does the polio virus enter and what does it initially cause?
The GI tract- causes flu like illness
Within 2-3 days the polio virus will cause what?
Paralysis of a group of muscles in one or more limbs
Is sensation preserved in a muscle which has been paralysed by polio?
Yes
