Neuromuscular Conditions Flashcards

Flashcards covering pathophysiology, management, and exercise considerations for neuromuscular conditions like stroke, spinal cord injury, and cerebral palsy.

What are Neuromuscular Conditions?

Conditions affecting the Central (brain and spinal cord) and/or Peripheral Nervous Systems (motor and sensory nerves).

Name common Neuromuscular Conditions.

Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident), Spinal Cord Injury, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinsonʼs Disease, Muscular Dystrophy, Neuropathies, Brain Injury

What is the pathophysiology of a Stroke (CVA)?

Sudden loss of blood and O2 to a brain region, damaging neurons.

What is an Ischaemic Stroke?

Blockage or occlusion of blood vessels (e.g., plaques, blood clots).

What is a Haemorrhagic Stroke?

Rupture of blood vessels leading to bleeding and swelling.

What are risk factors for stroke, similar to CVD?

Age, overweight/obese, physical inactivity, alcohol, smoking/vaping, high cholesterol and blood pressure.

What does BE FAST stand for in stroke recognition?

Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time

What is the pathophysiology of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)?

Impairment or inhibition of neural signal conduction across the injury site.

What does the primary injury do in SCI?

Damages neural tracts, cord, and vascular structures.

What does the secondary injury result from in SCI?

Hemorrhage and oedema, compressing the cord + vasculature causing ischaemia.

What is Tetraplegia?

Affecting arms, legs, and trunk (C1-T1).

What is Paraplegia?

Affecting legs and trunk (T2 and lower).

What is Cerebral Palsy (CP)?

A group of permanent neurological motor disorders affecting movement and posture.

What impairments are associated with Cerebral Palsy (CP)?

Impaired sensation, perception, cognition, communication, and behaviour.

What is Spastic CP and what area of the brain is damaged?

Motor Cortex damage; muscles appear stiff, tight.

What is Dyskinetic CP and what area of the brain is damaged?

Basal Ganglia damage; involuntary movements (athetosis, chorea, dystonia).

What is Ataxic CP and what area of the brain is damaged?

Cerebellum damage; shaky movements, affects balance and proprioception.

Which medical professionals are available to provide expert advice on the treatment and management of neuromuscular condtions

General Practitioners (GPs), Neurology Specialists, Exercise Physiologists, Dietitians, Physical and Speech Therapists, Psychologists, and Social Workers.

What medications are commonly prescribed to reduce stroke risk?

Anticoagulants and antihypertensives.

What exercises can assist with rehabilitation and reduce the adverse effects of spinal cord injuries?

Passive and active exercises, electromyostimulation.

What exercises are valuable for rehabilitation of Cerebral Palsy and improving functional capacity

Exercises to improve functional capacity, mobility, and range of motion.

What are the key purposes of exercise intervention for those living with neurological impairments?

Rehabilitation and restoration of function, reduced cardiometabolic risk factors, and improved QoL.

What are the primary objectives of stroke exercise prescription?

Improve cardiorespiratory fitness and strength, restore mobility/function in the paretic limb, and reduce cardiovascular risk factors.

What are the benefits of exercise training in individuals with SCI?

Aerobic training improves cardiorespiratory fitness, and resistance training improves strength in unimpaired muscles.

What are the key objectives of spinal cord injury exercise prescription?

Improve functional capacity and reduce cardiometabolic disease risk.

What should Cerebral Palsy physical assessment tests focus on?

Testing should focus on physical function, balance, strength, and movement velocity. Early Motor Pattern Profile (EMPP).

What are the main goals of Cerebral Palsy exercise prescription?

Improve postural control and functional capacity, increase the range of motion.