spinal cord Flashcards
what is a reflex
fast, automatic unplanned sequence of actions that occur in response to a stimulus
what makes up a reflex arc
sensory receptor sensory neuron integrating centre (interneuron) motor neuron effector organ
a missing knee jerk reflex can indicate
an intervertebral disc prolapse
paralysis
a missing achilles reflex can indicate
nerve damage or subarachnoid haemorrhage
describe achilles reflex
tapping achilles tendon triggers stretch reflex to stimulate plantar flexion of the foot
describe plantar reflex/babinski sign
stroking outer margin of the sole causes big toe to dorsiflex and other toes to fan - normal in children under 1/.5 ONLY
positive plantar reflex/babinski sign in adult could indicate
ALS
MS
describe abdominal reflex
contraction of abdominal muscles in response to stroking sides of abdomen
Erb’s palsy also known as
Waiters tip
which nerves Erb’s palsy
brachial plexus - c5/6
klumpke’s palsy known as
claw hand
which nerve klumpke’s palsy
ulnar nerve damage- in brachial plexus
which nerve damaged ape hand
median nerve damage in brachial plexus
wrist drop also known as
saturday night palsy - falls asleep with back or arms compressed against bar edge
which serve damaged wrist drop
radial nerve in brachial plexus
what happens with a herniated/prolapsed disc
herniation/prolapsed intervertebral disc causing pressure on spinal nerve root or spinal cord
symptoms herniated disc
pain at location radiating unilaterally,
positive lasegue test
shooting pain on sneezing
differential diagnosis herniated disc
MS
spinal tumour
Lyme disease
lasegue test also known as straight leg raising test
describe
patient lies prone
knee extended, hip flexed, ankle dorsiflexed
pain? lower lumbosacral nerve roots inflamed
which is longest widest nerve in human body
sciatic nerve
symptoms sciatica
lower back pain leg, buttock pain one sided pins needles/tingling/burning difficulty moving, controlling leg
pathophysiology sciatica
general compression/irritation of 1 of the 5 nerve roots or of sciatic nerve itself
causes sciatica
tumours in pelvis constipation pregnancy cold injury
tests for sciatica
lasegue test
patient cannot stand on toes or heels?
how can spina bifida be prevented
Folic acid during pregnancy
very fair hair, eczema
mousy odour of urine and skin
progressive cognitive impairment
if untreated brain damage/mental retardation within months
phenylketonuria
cause phenylketonuria
genetic defect - enzyme deficiency
