Class 8 Concepts

How does the cerebellum influence movement?

adjusts activity in UMNs via cortical and brainstem connections

Why are CVA cerebellar signs typically ipsilateral?

cerebellar efferents project ipsilaterally and cross twice via cortex and red nucleus pathways

Which test is commonly used to assess cerebellar ataxia?

finger-to-nose test

What is the typical muscle strength in cerebellar lesions?

normal strength, despite incoordination

How does the basal ganglia exert its influence on movement?

indirectly, through the cerebral cortex

What is the pathological hallmark of Parkinson’s Disease?

death of dopamine-producing neurons in substantia negra

Parkinson’s disease is classified as which type of movement disorder?

hypokinetic disorder

Which is a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease?

muscular rigidity and resting tremor

How does Huntington’s disease differ from Parkinson’s in motor presentation?

Huntington’s causes hyperkinetic movements (chorea), PD causes hypokinetic movements