Neuro

• What is the location of the lesion in Upper Motor Neuron (UMN) injury?

  Above the anterior horn or motor cortex
• What is the location of the lesion in Lower Motor Neuron (LMN) injury?

  In the anterior horn of the spinal cord
• What are common causes of Upper Motor Neuron (UMN) injury?

  Stroke, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury
• What are common causes of Lower Motor Neuron (LMN) injury?

  Peripheral nerve injury, poliomyelitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome
• How does muscle weakness present in Upper Motor Neuron (UMN) injury?

  Pyramidal affecting groups of muscles
• How does muscle weakness present in Lower Motor Neuron (LMN) injury?

  More localized to specific muscles or regions
• What type of muscle tone is associated with Upper Motor Neuron (UMN) injury?

  Increased (spasticity)
• What type of muscle tone is associated with Lower Motor Neuron (LMN) injury?

  Decreased (flaccidity)
• What reflexes are observed in Upper Motor Neuron (UMN) injury?

  Hyperreflexia (exaggerated deep tendon reflexes)
• What reflexes are observed in Lower Motor Neuron (LMN) injury?

  Hyporeflexia or absent reflexes
• What is the Babinski sign result in Upper Motor Neuron (UMN) injury?

  Positive (toes extend upward)
• What is the Babinski sign result in Lower Motor Neuron (LMN) injury?

  Negative (toes flex downward)
• How does muscle atrophy present in Upper Motor Neuron (UMN) injury?

  Minimal or none (disuse atrophy occurs over time)
• How does muscle atrophy present in Lower Motor Neuron (LMN) injury?

  Pronounced and rapid (denervation atrophy)
• What is clonus in Upper Motor Neuron (UMN) injury?

  May be present (rhythmic, involuntary muscle contractions)
• What is clonus in Lower Motor Neuron (LMN) injury?

  Absent
• How does involvement typically present in Upper Motor Neuron (UMN) injury?

  Often bilateral or affecting broad areas
• How does involvement typically present in Lower Motor Neuron (LMN) injury?

  Often unilateral or segmental
• What is the physiological difference in Upper Motor Neuron (UMN) injury?

  Disruption of descending inhibitory signals from the brain
• What is the physiological difference in Lower Motor Neuron (LMN) injury?

  Disruption of signals from the spinal cord to muscles
• What are example disorders of Upper Motor Neuron (UMN) injury?

  Stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy
• What are example disorders of Lower Motor Neuron (LMN) injury?

  Bell’s palsy, peripheral neuropathy, polio
• What are the key differences between Upper Motor Neuron (UMN) and Lower Motor Neuron (LMN) injuries?

  • UMN:
  • Location: Above anterior horn
  • Muscle Tone: Increased (spasticity)
  • Reflexes: Hyperreflexia
  • Babinski Sign: Positive
  • Muscle Atrophy: Minimal
  • LMN:
  • Location: Anterior horn
  • Muscle Tone: Decreased (flaccidity)
  • Reflexes: Hyporeflexia
  • Babinski Sign: Negative
  • Muscle Atrophy: Pronounced
• What is the function of the Dorsal Column-Medial Lemniscus (DCML) tract?

  Fine touch, vibration, proprioception
• Where does the Dorsal Column-Medial Lemniscus (DCML) tract decussate?

  In the medulla
• What is the function of the Spinothalamic tract?

  Pain, temperature, crude touch
• Where does the Spinothalamic tract decussate?

  In the spinal cord
• What is the function of the Spinocerebellar tract?

  Proprioceptive information for coordination
• How does the Spinocerebellar tract decussate?

  Partially decussates
• What is the function of the Corticospinal Tract (Lateral)?

  Voluntary fine motor control
• Where does the Corticospinal Tract (Lateral) decussate?

  At the pyramids (medulla)
• What is the function of the Corticospinal Tract (Anterior)?

  Voluntary trunk movement
• Where does the Corticospinal Tract (Anterior) decussate?

  Partial decussation in spinal cord
• What is the function of the Corticobulbar Tract?

  Voluntary control of face, head, and neck muscles
• Where does the Corticobulbar Tract decussate?

  At the level of cranial nerve nuclei
• What is the function of the Reticulospinal Tract?

  Muscle tone, reflex modulation
• Does the Reticulospinal Tract decussate?

  No
• What is the function of the Vestibulospinal Tract?

  Balance and head/neck posture
• Does the Vestibulospinal Tract decussate?

  No
• What is the function of the Rubrospinal Tract?

  Coordination of upper limb movements