Problems Flashcards
What is Chorea?
Type of hyperkinesia characterized by brief, irregular, asymmetrical involuntary movements that resemble an intended dance.
Chorea involves fast movements.
Define Athetosis.
Type of hyperkinesia involving slow, continuous movements, affecting distal limbs with turning and twisting of wrists or feet.
Athetosis is painful-looking and differs from Chorea.
What are Tics?
Sudden, repetitive, non-rhythmic movements or sounds that affect vocalization.
Tics can involve both motor and vocal components.
Explain Myoclonus.
A sequence of repeated, brief, involuntary shock-like jerks resulting from sudden involuntary muscle contraction or relaxation.
Myoclonus can occur in various neurological conditions.
What is Clonus?
A series of involuntary contractions due to sudden stretching of the muscle.
Clonus is often seen in conditions involving upper motor neuron lesions.
Define Contractures.
Permanent shortening of muscle or tendon due to excessive tone, classified as a type of hypertonicity.
Contractures can limit mobility and function.
What is Spasticity?
Excessive muscle tone initiated by passive stretching, with magnitude dependent on the velocity of the stretch.
Spasticity is common in upper motor neuron lesions.
What is Babinski’s sign?
A test indicating upper motor neuron lesions characterized by great toe extension and abduction of toes when stroking the bottom of the foot.
It is a classic neurological exam finding.
What does Dysmetria refer to?
Improper measurement of speed, distance, and range of motion, often assessed using finger-to-nose and heel-to-shin tests.
Dysmetria is frequently associated with cerebellar disorders.
What causes Radiculopathy + what’s its symptoms ?
Pinching or irritation of a spinal nerve root, commonly due to stenosis, disc bulge/herniation, or spondylolisthesis.
Symptoms include pain, paresthesia, numbness, weakness, and muscle spasms.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome + it symptoms
Condition caused by compressed median nerve in the wrist due to flexor tendon inflammation.
Symptoms include sensory and motor disturbances in the median nerve distribution.
What is the hallmark symptom of Diabetic Neuropathy?
Paresthesia of extremities, often accompanied by dysesthesia and allodynia.
Diabetic neuropathy typically presents with a symmetrical ‘glove-stocking’ distribution.
Define Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
A progressive upper and lower motor neuron disease characterized by muscle weakness, atrophy, and fasciculations.
ALS leads to complete loss of voluntary movement and can result in death due to respiratory failure.
What is Myasthenia Gravis?
A neuromuscular junction disorder caused by autoimmune destruction of acetylcholine receptors, leading to muscle weakness.
Symptoms include fatigability and weakness that improves with rest.
What is the main cause of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?
Genetically inherited mutation of the DMD gene on the X chromosome, resulting in the absence of dystrophin.
This condition leads to progressive muscle weakness and wasting.
What is Parkinson’s Disease and its symptoms
Degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to symptoms of tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability.
Parkinson’s is associated with Lewy bodies and can present with cognitive decline.
What are the common causes of spinal cord injury (SCI)?
Contusion, compression, concussion, and laceration of the spinal cord.
These injuries can lead to primary and secondary damage, including apoptosis and necrosis.
What is the significance of the UPDRS in Parkinson’s Disease?
The Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale assesses multiple aspects of the disease, including motor and cognitive functions.
It provides a comprehensive evaluation of patient disability.
What is the purpose of the Tensilon Test?
To diagnose Myasthenia Gravis by administering an IV acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and observing improvement in muscle strength.
A positive test indicates the presence of antibodies blocking acetylcholine receptors.
