neuromuscular disorders (paeds) Flashcards
what are considered upper motor neurones
brain
spinal cord
what are the symptoms of damage to the upper motor neurones
weakness
spasticity
hyperflexia
extensor plantar response (Babinski sign)
what are considered lower motor neurones
anterior horn cells
nerve roots
peripheral nerves
what are the symptoms of damage to the lower motor neurones
weakness
reduced tone
hypo- or a-reflexia
at what age would you expect the onset of cerebral palsy
before 2-3yrs
what is the cause of cerebral palsy, give examples
insult to the immature brain before, during, or after birth:
genetic brain malformation intrauterine infection prematurity intra-cranial haemorrhage hypoxia during birth meningitis
what is the most common type of cerebral palsy
spastic cerebral palsy
what causes spastic cerebral palsy
injury to the motor cortex, upper motor neurones or corticospinal tract
what are the symptoms of cerebral palsy
weakness and spasticity which may worsen as the child grows
what causes ataxia cerebral palsy, what are the symptoms
injury to the cerebellum
reduced co-ordination and balance
give examples of the different types of cerebral palsy
ataxia
spastic (most common)
athetoid
what is spina bifida
congenital disorder where the two halves of the posterior vertebral arch fail to fuse in the first 6 weeks of gestation
what is spina bifida occulta
mildest form of spina bifida
what are the symptoms of spina bifida occulta
tell-tale dimple or tuft over area
neurological problems which can occur at any age
tethering of the spinal cord and roots which can lead to high arched foot and clawing of the toes
what is spina bifida cystica
more severe form of spina bifida
what are the symptoms of spina bifida cystica
the contents of the vertebral canal herniates through the defect either as a menigocele or a myelomenigocele
what is contained in a menigocele
meninges
what is contained in a myelomenigocele
spinal cord or cauda equina
what is poliomyelitis? what is it also known as
polio, it is a viral infection
how does the polio virus enter the body
via the GI tract
what are the symptoms of polio
flu-like illness
variable degree of paralysis in one limb which may improve
weakness
joint deformities
growth defects with shortening of the limbs
what is the treatment of polio
vaccination
splintage or tendon transfer for residual paralysis
what us syndactyly
fusion of two digits due to failure of separation
what is the most common congenital malformation
syndactyly
what is polydactyly
extra digit
what is fibula hemimelia
partial or complete absence of the fibula leading to a shortening limb
what is
Obstetric brachial plexus palsy
damage to the brachial plexus resulting in paralysis
what are the risk factors of
Obstetric brachial plexus palsy
large baby
vaginal delivery
twin delivery
shoulder dystocia
what are the two types of
Obstetric brachial plexus palsy
Erb’s palsy
Klumpke’s palsy
what is Erb’s palsy, what does it cause
injury to upper brachical plexus =C5 & 6.
this results in loss of motor innervation to muscles:
deltoid supraspinatus infraspinatus biceps brachialis
what are the symptoms of Erb’s palsy
internal rotation of the humerus
“waiter’s tip” posture
what is Klumpke’s palsy
injury to lower brachial plexus = C8 & T1
what causes Klumpke’s palsy
forceful adduction
what are the symptoms of Klumpke’s palsy
paralysis of intrinsic hand muscles +/- fingers and wrist flexors
horner’s syndrome
flexed fingers
