scispace - formally typeset
Search or ask a question

How do you determine if a patient has an upper motor neuron lesion or lower motor neuron lesion? 

Answers from top 6 papers

More filters
Papers (6)Insight
That should be considered in the differential diagnosis of motor neuron diseases in order to start accurate therapy.
The authors suggest that in lower motor neuron lesions, the RDs of the motorunit (MU) may be one of the first signs of the MU's dysfunction.
Therefore, clear strategies involving criteria for clinical evaluation and ancillary tests such as electromyography, muscle biopsy and magnetic resonance imaging, must be set up to establish the presence of upper and lower motor neuron abnormalities.
By demonstrating evidence of occult upper motor neuron degeneration in vivo, a speedier and more definitive diagnosis in suspected cases could lead to earlier treatment and earlier enrollment in clinical trials.
Our results suggest that the lesion location determines a specific pattern of motor excitability changes.
Depending on the associated clinical symptoms and signs, they may signify the presence of a variety of disorders of the lower motor neuron.

Related Questions

What are lower motor neurons?5 answersLower motor neurons (LMNs) are efferent neurons located in the central nervous system (CNS) that directly innervate skeletal muscles, facilitating voluntary movement. They play a crucial role in muscle movement by receiving signals from upper motor neurons in the brain and transmitting them to the muscles. LMN lesions can lead to denervation and dysfunction of peripheral skeletal muscles. Studies have shown that LMNs can be efficiently transduced using recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) serotypes, particularly rAAV2-retro, which enables extensive transduction of LMNs in the spinal cord and brainstem. Additionally, lower motor neuron involvement has been observed in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD), indicating the importance of assessing LMNs in such cases through electromyography and nerve conduction studies.
Does ALS affect both upper motor neurons and lower motor neurons?5 answersYes, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) affects both upper motor neurons (UMN) and lower motor neurons (LMN). ALS is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the degeneration of UMN in the motor cortex and LMN in the brainstem and spinal cord. The degeneration of these two neuronal populations is somatotopically related, meaning that the affected regions are connected. In ALS, UMN degeneration is an early event that precedes LMN degeneration. The diagnosis of ALS requires recognition of both UMN and LMN dysfunction. Electromyography (EMG) is used to detect LMN involvement, while there are no generally accepted markers for monitoring UMN abnormalities. Therefore, a full clinical assessment is necessary to diagnose ALS and monitor disease progression.
What are the neuroanatomical differences between upper and lower extremity motor control?5 answersThe neuroanatomical differences between upper and lower extremity motor control have been studied in the context of stroke and multiple sclerosis. In stroke patients, separate proximal and distal upper extremity motor components can be distinguished, with deficits in proximal motor control associated with widespread injury to subcortical white and gray matter, and deficits in distal motor control associated with injury restricted to the posterior aspect of the precentral gyrus. In multiple sclerosis patients, cognitive functions, such as processing speed and executive function, play a significant role in the recovery of both upper and lower motor function. The role of the cortex in controlling locomotion is still not fully understood, but studies using magnetoencephalography have shown that the sensory and motor cortices are engaged during pedaling, with modulation of the beta frequency band at twice the pedaling frequency.
What is the difference between upper motor neurons and lower motor neurons?3 answersUpper motor neurons (UMN) and lower motor neurons (LMN) are two distinct types of neurons involved in motor function. UMN originate in the cerebral cortex and transmit impulses to the spinal cord or brainstem, while LMN have cell bodies in the anterior horn of the spinal cord and directly innervate muscles. UMN are regulated by the neurotransmitter glutamate and cannot leave the central nervous system (CNS), whereas LMN can exist in both the CNS and peripheral nervous system (PNS). Damage to UMN and LMN results in different deficits that can help localize the cause of the deficit. UMN lesions lead to characteristic clinical manifestations known as "upper motor neuron signs," including muscle weakness, spasticity, hyperreflexia, and clonus. Distinguishing between upper and lower motor neuron signs is important in neurological examinations.
Are lower motor neuron lesions always ipsilateral?8 answers
How do you test for lower motor neuron lesions?8 answers