Upper and lower motor neuron diseases

Question 1

What are the 6 types of weakness?

Answer 1

Non specific - systemic illness
Functional - lack of motivation, pain, phycological
Myasthenic - neuromuscular junction problem
Myopathic - muscle problems
Upper motor neuron - stroke, tumours
Lower motor neuron - motor neuron disease, single nerve damage

Question 2

If a patient has weakness in one half of the body, weakness is likely to be caused by a lesion where?

Answer 2

Cerebral hemisphere

Question 3

If a patient has weakness in all 4 limbs, weakness is likely to be caused by a lesion where?

Answer 3

high cervical spinal cord

Question 4

If a patient has weakness in both legs, weakness is likely to be caused by a lesion where?

Answer 4

low cervical spinal cord

Question 5

If a patient has weakness in one limb, weakness is likely to be caused by a lesion where?

Answer 5

spinal root/peripheral nerves

Question 6

If a patient has generalised distal weakness, weakness is likely to be caused by what?

Answer 6

peripheral neuropathy

Question 7

If a patient has generalised proximal weakness, weakness is likely to be caused by what?

Answer 7

myopathy

Question 8

What should be looked at in a neurological examination?

Answer 8

Wasting and fasiculation of muscles
Tone in passive movement
Resistance for strength in active movement
Tendon reflexes
Plantar responses
Sensation

Question 9

Describe what tone, reflexes and plantars are like in upper motor neuron disease?

Answer 9

↑ tone
↑ reflexes
↑ plantars

Question 10

Describe what tone, reflexes and plantars are like in lower motor neuron disease?

Answer 10

↓ tone
↓ reflexes
↓ plantars

Question 11

Does muscle wasting occurs in UMN or LMN?

Answer 11

LMN