Spinal Cord Conditions Flashcards
is increased tone an upper or lower MN sign
UMN
are fasciculation an upper or lower MN sign
LMN
is early atrophy an upper or lower MN sign
LMN
is spasticity an upper or lower MN sign
UMN
are absent or decreased reflexes an upper or lower MN sign
LMN
is clonus an upper or lower MN sign
UMN
are upgoing plantars upper or lower MN sign
UMN
what ages are red flags for back pain
over 60 or under 20 yr
back pain that wakes you up in the night is a red flag for what
cancer and infection
what region of the back having pain is a red flag
thoracic
what are the common ages of mechanical back pain presentation
20 to 55 yr
mechanical back pain….
is more stiff in the morning/night
resolves with rest/movement
mechanical back pain is more stiff in the morning and resolves with rest
what is a radiculopathy
pinched nerve root
does a radiculopathy cause a sensory or motor problem
both (pain and weakness)
does a radiculopathy have a myotomal or dermatomal distribution
pain follows dermatomal distribution, weakness follows myotomal distribution
does a radiculopathy cause UMN or LMN signs?
LMN signs
what is a myelopathy
pinched spinal cord
does a myelopathy cause UMN or LMN signs
UMN signs
what muscle jerk reflex tests for a C6 radiculopathy
brachioradialis reflex
what muscle jerk reflex tests for a C7 radiculopathy
triceps reflex
C6 is responsible for flexing/extending the wrist
C7 is responsible for flexing/extending the wrist
C6 extends wrist
C7 flexes wrist
is C6 or C7 responsible for extending the fingers
C7
what is the pathology of a lumbar disc prolapse
nucleus pulposus herniates through tear in annulus, compresses adjacent nerve roots
lumbar disc prolapses occur in younger and old age groups. what is the common mechanism in a younger patient?
strain eg. carrying heavy load
lumbar disc prolapses occur in younger and old age groups. what is the common mechanism in a older patient?
spondylosis degeneration
does a lumbar disc prolapse cause UMN or LMN signs?
LMN
would a paramedian (posterolateral) prolapse compress the traversing nerve below or above the level of prolapse?
below level of prolapse
would a extraforaminal (lateral) prolapse compress the traversing or exiting nerve
exiting nerve
what effect does a lumbar disc prolapse have on leg reflexes
may be present or diminished
what is the general presentation of a lumbar disc prolapse
dermatomal unilateral leg pain