Neuro Module 4 Flashcards
(36 cards)
Define equilibrium
Ability to maintain orientation of the body and its parts in relation to external space (“balance”)
Equilibrium requires integration of what sensory input types?
- Proprioception
- Visual
- Vestibular
Sensory input is processed via:
Nuclei of brainstem and cerebellum
4 functions of cerebellum
- Maintain balance and posture
- Coordinated voluntary movements
- Motor learning
- Cognitive functions
Describe the cerebellum
- 10% of brain’s volume but 50% of neurons
- Major role in motor function but does NOT initiate motor commands
What part of the brain is called “little brain”?
Cerebellum
3 categories of cerebellum motor impairments
- Hypotonia (decreased muscle tone)
- Disequilibrium (loss of balance)
- Dyssynergia (loss of coordinated activity)
How do cerebellar lesions impair motor and sensory activity?
- Do impair motor activity
- Do NOT result in motor paralysis
- Do NOT impair ability to consciously detect sensory input
S/S a/w cerebellar lesions are usually:
Ipsilateral OR bilateral
Clinical exams to assess hypotonia
- Observation
- DTRs
- Passive ROM
Describe hypotonia
- Poor muscle tone
- Floppy, rag doll, pt looks drunk
Describe disequilibrium
Loss of balance
Clinical exams to assess disequilibrium
- Tandem walking
- Balancing tests
- Romberg’s
Describe dyssynergia
- Loss of coordinated activity
- May clinically manifest many ways (dysarthria, dystaxia, dysmetria, nystagmus, tremor, etc.)
Describe dysarthria
Uncoordinated speech, difficulty articulating
Clinical exams to assess dysarthria
Observation (listening) for slurring, slowing, “scanning” (random or inappropriate variation in volume, emphasizing wrong vowel)
Describe dystaxia
- Ataxia
- Lack of coordination in the execution of learned voluntary movement
Clinical exams to test dystaxia:
Observation of gait or activity
Describe dysmetria
-Inability to stop muscular movement at a desired point in space
“Overshooting” or “past pointing”
Clinical exams to assess dysmetria
FNF (finger nose finger)
HKS
Define intention tremor
Tremor that occurs with precise voluntary movement
Clinical exams to assess intention tremor
- Observation w/precision activity
- Finger to nose, finger to finger
Define dysdiadochokinesia
- Inability to perform rapid alternating or repetitive movement
- Disruption of timing of initiation and stopping
- Difficulty in sequencing
Clinical exams to assess dysdiadochokinesia
Rapid alternating supination/pronation
