Upper vs lower motor neuron signs

Question 1

Hyperreflexia

Answer 1

Upper motor

Increase in muscle stretch reflexes

Question 2

Clonus

Answer 2

Upper motor

Rhythmic contraction of antagonist muscles that have opposite effect on the joint

Question 3

Hypertonia

Answer 3

Upper motor

Increased tone of skeletal muscles

Question 4

Extensor plantar reflex

(Babinski)

Answer 4

Upper motor

Toes fan rather than flexing

Question 5

Hypotonia

Answer 5

Lower motor

Decrease in muscle stretch reflexes

Question 6

Hyporeflexia

Answer 6

Lower motor

Decreased motor tone of skeletal muscles

Question 7

Skeletal muscle atrophy

Answer 7

Lower motor

Question 8

Fasiculations

Answer 8

Lower motor

Isolated muscle twitch

Question 9

Muscle stretch reflexes

Answer 9

Extensor muscle stretching causes increased extensor tone and decreased flexor tone.

Question 10

Rigidity

Answer 10

Same resistance with flexion and extension.

No change with increase in speed.

Question 11

Spasticity

Answer 11

Resistance in one direction different than the other direction (flexion/extension)
Increased resistance with increased speed.

Question 12

Ataxia

Answer 12

Loss of control in arms and legs. Leads to gait disturbance and lack of balance.

Question 13

Apraxia

Answer 13

Difficulty planning and executing coordinated motor movements.