Spinal Pathways Flashcards
What are the 2 sensory spinal pathways?
- Dorsal Column Medial Lemniscus
2. Spinothalamic
Describe function of DCML
Carries somatosensory info from body to cortex
What happens if complete SCI with respect to DCML?
Bilateral loss of sensation at and below the SCI
What happens if lesion above level of medulla with respect to DCML?
CON loss of sensation
Describe function of Spinothalamic Tract
Pain and temperature sensation
What happens if complete SCI with respect to Spinothalamic tract?
Bilateral loss of pain and temperature sensation at and below SCI
What happens if partial SCI with respect to Spinothalamic tract?
- At the lesion = bilateral sensory loss
- Below the lesion = CON sensory loss
What are the motor spinal pathways?
- Lateral Corticospinal
2. Anterior Corticospinal
Which spinal motor pathway is the primary one?
Lateral Corticospinal
What happens if complete SCI with respect to Lateral corticospinal pathway?
All pathways and axons wiped out on both sides so bilateral loss of motor function at and below SCI
If incomplete SCI below decussation what will happen to lateral corticospinal pathway?
o IPS loss of motor function
o Spasticity below lesion
If incomplete SCI above decussation what will happen to lateral corticospinal pathway?
o CON spastic paralysis
What condition shows UE often affected more than the LE?
Central Cord Syndrome (Syringomyelia)
Describe Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- Bilateral degeneration of the LMN/anterior horn cells and eventually the UMN pyramidal tract (often sensory remains intact)
- aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease
What is MS?
o Demyelinization of the CNS axons
