Upper Limb Neuro Exam Flashcards
What does the acronym SWIFT stand for in terms of inspection of the upper limbs at the start of the examination?
Scars Wasting Involuntary movements Fasciculations Tremor
If pronator dirft is present, what type of pathology is this most likely a sign of?
UMN pathology
What type of lesion is spasticity associated with?
UMN lesion
What does rigidity indicate?
Extrapyramidal lesion
What spinal cord tracts does light touch test for?
Dorsal/posterior columns and spinothalamic tracts
What spinal cord tracts does pin-prick test for?
Spinothalamic tracts
What spinal cord tracts does vibration test for?
Dorsal/posterior columns
What spinal cord tracts does proprioception test for?
Dorsal/posterior columns
What could difficulties with coordination indicate?
Cerebellar pathology
Is wasting and fasciculation more in keeping with an UMN or LMN lesion?
LMN
In UMN lesions, how would the tone be affected?
Increased (spasticity)
In LMN lesions, how would the tone be affected?
Decreased or normal
In UMN lesions, how would the power be affected?
Classically pyramidal pattern of weakness (extensors weaker than flexors in arms and vice versa in legs)
In LMN lesions, how would the power be affected?
Different patterns depending on cause
In UMN lesions, how would the reflexes be affected?
Exaggerated or brisk
In LMN lesions, how would the reflexes be affected?
Reduced or absent
Which named nerve covers the sensation of the regimental badge over the deltoid muscle?
Axillary
Which named nerve covers the sensation of the lateral aspect of the forearm?
Musculocutaneous
Which named nerve covers the sensation of the radial fossa?
Radial
Which named nerve covers the sensation of the palmar aspect of the medial side of hand, little finger and medial border of ring finger?
Ulnar
Which named nerve covers the sensation of the palmar aspect of the lateral side of hand, thumb, index finger, middle finger and lateral border of ring finger?
Median
Which nerve root(s) are responsible for shoulder abduction?
C5
Which nerve root(s) are responsible for shoulder adduction?
C6/7
Which nerve root(s) are responsible for elbow flexion?
C5/6
Which nerve root(s) are responsible for elbow extension?
C7
Which nerve root(s) are responsible for wrist flexion?
C6
Which nerve root(s) are responsible for wrist extension?
C6/7
Which nerve root(s) are responsible for finger extension?
C7
Which nerve root(s) are responsible for finger abduction?
T1
Which nerve root(s) are responsible for thumb abduction?
C8/T1
Which nerve root(s) are responsible for the biceps reflex?
C5/6
Which nerve root(s) are responsible for the triceps reflex?
C7
Which nerve root(s) are responsible for the supinator reflex?
C6
