Weakness

Question 1

What types of weakness are there?

Answer 1

• Non-specific (systemic illness)
• Functional (pain, poor effort, hysteria)
• UMN (stroke, tumour)
• LMN(MND, root damage, peripheral neuropathy)
• Muscle fibre (myopathy)
• Neuromuscular junction (myasthenia gravis)

Question 2

Describe the distributions of weakness and where the lesion could be

Answer 2

• 1/2 of body=cerebral hemisphere
• All 4 limbs= high cervical SC
• Both legs= low cervical SC
• One limb= spinal root/peripheral nerve
• Generalised distal= peripheral neuropathy
• Generalised proximal= myopathy

Question 3

What are the components of a neuro examination?

Answer 3

• Sensation
• Plantar response
• Tendon reflexes
• Active movement against resistance
• Passive movement-tone
• Inspect for wasting & fasciculation