A* Neuro-Rehab Placement Prep: Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary and key clinical terms for final-year Occupational Therapy students preparing for a neuro-rehabilitation placement.

CNRU

A neurological rehabilitation unit where patients with brain or spinal cord injuries work to rebuild function, confidence, routine, and independence.

Power

Muscle strength; weakness in this area can affect tasks such as grip, transfers, dressing, and wheelchair use.

Tone

Muscle tightness or floppiness; high tone can impact hygiene, positioning, and splinting, while low tone (hypotonia) can affect stability and shoulder safety.

Sensation

The feeling or awareness of contact (light touch), pain (pin-prick), or vibration; reduction increases the risk of burns, cuts, and pressure damage.

Coordination

The ability to produce smooth, accurate movements; impaired coordination affects fine motor tasks like buttons, handwriting, and using cutlery.

Gait

A person's walking pattern, which influences falls risk, home mobility, and discharge planning.

Upper Motor Neuron (UMN)

A problem usually located in the brain or spinal cord (e.g., stroke, MS); characterized by increased tone (spasticity), brisk reflexes, and specific weakness patterns.

Lower Motor Neuron (LMN)

A problem in the nerve roots, peripheral nerves, or muscles; characterized by reduced tone, absent reflexes, muscle wasting, and fasciculations.

Pronator drift

An assessment finding where the arm turns palm-down and drifts when held out; suggests a $UMN$ or corticospinal tract problem on the opposite side.

Spasticity

A type of high muscle tone that often changes with the speed of movement; commonly associated with $UMN$ lesions.

Rigidity

A type of resistance to movement that feels constant; can affect the speed and smoothness of daily activities.

Fasciculations

Small involuntary muscle movements or twitches that may indicate $LMN$ pathology.

MRC Power Scale

A scoring system from $0$ to $5$ used to measure muscle strength, ranging from no contraction ($0$) to normal power ($5$).

Proprioception

The sense of knowing where a limb is in space without looking; essential for reaching, dressing, and safe positioning.

Dysmetria

Inaccurate reaching or missing a target (e.g., reaching for a cup), often suggesting cerebellar or sensory coordination difficulties.

Intention tremor

A tremor that worsens as the hand approaches a target, affecting activities such as eating, drinking, or grooming.

Dysdiadochokinesia

Difficulty performing rapid alternating movements, which affects the speed and sequencing of hand-based tasks.

Ataxic gait

A broad-based, unsteady walking pattern that indicates high falls risk and challenges in kitchen or bathroom mobility.

Hemiparetic gait

A walking pattern where one stiff leg swings around in a circular motion, often resulting in fatigue and bathroom access issues.

Romberg test

A balance screening where the patient stands with feet together and eyes closed; unsteadiness suggests a reliance on vision due to poor proprioception or vestibular function.

Ankle clonus

Rhythmic beats (more than $5$ is abnormal) occurring after quick dorsiflexion of the ankle, suggesting $UMN$ involvement.

Babinski sign

An abnormal plantar reflex where the big toe extends and other toes spread; indicates a $UMN$ lesion.

Executive dysfunction

Difficulties with planning, sequencing, and problem-solving, which impact tasks like managing medication, money, or meals.

Reduced insight

A condition where a patient may not recognize their own risks or support needs, significantly impacting discharge safety.

Occupational Therapist (OT) Role

Focuses on ADLs, cognition, upper limb function, fatigue management, equipment, home access, and meaningful occupations.

Physiotherapist Role

Focuses on mobility, strength, balance, gait, transfers, and respiratory or movement rehabilitation.

Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) Role

Focuses on communication, swallowing, supported conversation, and family communication strategies.

$128\,Hz$ Tuning Fork

A piece of equipment used during neurological examinations to assess vibration sensation.