Neuro Summary by Sarah Jacquemin

A collection of flashcards covering key concepts from the neuro summary lecture to aid in exam preparation.

What are reflexes and their significance?

Reflexes are the simplest responses the nervous system can give to a stimulus, acting as an objective neurological sign produced without voluntary control, even in unconscious patients.

What are the types of reflexes mentioned in the lecture?

The types of reflexes include deep tendon reflexes, cutaneous reflexes, and pathological reflexes.

What is the normal presentation of muscle tone?

Normal muscle tone is present and symmetrical in all four limbs.

How can an upper motor neuron (UMN) lesion affect reflexes?

An UMN lesion can lead to exaggerated tendon reflexes and potentially result in abnormal reflex spreading.

What is hypotonia?

Hypotonia refers to decreased muscle tone, characterized by flaccidity and the loss of muscle bulk.

What defines hypertonia?

Hypertonia is characterized by increased muscle tone, resulting in resistance during joint movements.

What is the Babinski reflex and its clinical significance?

The Babinski reflex is the extension of the big toe when the lateral aspect of the foot is stimulated, which is a pathological sign in adults but can be normal in newborns.

What is gait in the context of neurological examination?

Gait refers to the manner of walking, including aspects such as symmetry, size of paces, posture, and arm swing.

What are the characteristics of a hemiplegic gait?

In hemiplegic gait, the affected leg is stiff, with no flexion and outward rotation, causing the foot to scrape the floor.

Describe the characteristics of parkinsonian gait.

Parkinsonian gait is marked by small, symmetrical paces, stooped posture, bent knees and hips, slow initiation, freezing in front of obstacles, and a lack of arm swing.

What happens in cerebellar disease regarding reflexes?

Cerebellar disease may present with pendular reflexes and an absence of the rebound phenomenon.

What is myoclonus?

Myoclonus is a sudden, brief contraction of a muscle group leading to involuntary jerks of the affected limb.

What role do sensory pathways play in the nervous system?

Sensory pathways facilitate the transmission of touch, pressure, pain, and temperature sensations, utilizing large and small fibers with distinct functions.

What is Brown-Sequard syndrome?

Brown-Sequard syndrome is caused by hemisection of the spinal cord, resulting in loss of joint position sense on the same side as the lesion and impaired pain and temperature sensation on the opposite side.

How can sensory function be tested?

Sensory function can be tested using various methods such as cotton touch, pinprick sensation, thermal sense with tuning forks, and proprioceptive sense assessments.

What are primitive reflexes and their implications in adults?

Primitive reflexes like sucking and grasping are normal in infants but are considered pathological in adults, indicating possible neurological impairment.

What is the clinical indication of clonus?

Clonus indicates spastic muscle activity, often tested by observing rhythmic oscillations of the foot when dorsiflexed.

What are the signs of meningeal irritation?

Signs of meningeal irritation include severe headache, neck stiffness, photophobia, and positive Kernig's and Brudzinski signs.

What is the effect of a basal ganglia lesion?

A basal ganglia lesion can lead to disturbances such as tremor, chorea, athetosis, and other involuntary movement disorders.

What distinguishes UMN from LMN lesions in terms of clinical presentation?

UMN lesions present with spasticity, hyperreflexia, and abnormal posture, whereas LMN lesions result in flaccidity, atrophy, and decreased reflexes.

What can cause sensory inattention?

Sensory inattention may indicate a parietal lobe lesion, where a patient may recognize stimuli on one side better than on both.

What is the treatment for trigeminal neuralgia?

The primary treatment for trigeminal neuralgia is carbamazepine, with other options including oxcarbazepine and baclofen.

When inspecting the optic nerve, what signs may indicate pathology?

Pathological signs may include papilledema and optic nerve atrophy, which can signify increased intracranial pressure or other neurological conditions.