Podcast
Questions and Answers
A patient presents with asymmetrical weakness in their legs, urinary retention, and sensory deficits. An MRI reveals compression of nerve roots below the L2 vertebra. Based on this information, which of the following conditions is most likely?
A patient presents with asymmetrical weakness in their legs, urinary retention, and sensory deficits. An MRI reveals compression of nerve roots below the L2 vertebra. Based on this information, which of the following conditions is most likely?
- Anterior Cord Syndrome
- Brown-Séquard Syndrome
- Cauda Equina Syndrome (correct)
- Central Cord Syndrome
A patient has lost the ability to perceive fine touch and vibration on their left leg, but retains the ability to feel pain and temperature. Which neural pathway is most likely affected?
A patient has lost the ability to perceive fine touch and vibration on their left leg, but retains the ability to feel pain and temperature. Which neural pathway is most likely affected?
- Lateral Spinothalamic Tract
- Anterior Spinothalamic Tract
- Anterior Spinocerebellar Tract
- Dorsal Columns (correct)
A person suddenly struggles to maintain balance and coordinate their lower limbs while walking, but their conscious motor control remains intact. Which descending tract is most likely compensating for this deficit?
A person suddenly struggles to maintain balance and coordinate their lower limbs while walking, but their conscious motor control remains intact. Which descending tract is most likely compensating for this deficit?
- Pontine Reticulospinal Tract
- Anterior Spinocerebellar Tract (correct)
- Lateral Corticospinal Tract
- Rubrospinal Tract
Following a stroke, a patient exhibits increased tone in their extensor muscles and has difficulty initiating voluntary movements. Which of the following descending tracts is most likely affected?
Following a stroke, a patient exhibits increased tone in their extensor muscles and has difficulty initiating voluntary movements. Which of the following descending tracts is most likely affected?
A patient reports a loss of pain and temperature sensation on the right side of their body following a spinal cord injury. Which of the following pathways is most likely damaged?
A patient reports a loss of pain and temperature sensation on the right side of their body following a spinal cord injury. Which of the following pathways is most likely damaged?
Flashcards
Cauda Equina Syndrome
Cauda Equina Syndrome
Syndrome caused by compression of nerve roots in the cauda equina. Characterized by bowel/bladder dysfunction and asymmetric weakness.
Dorsal Columns (DCT)
Dorsal Columns (DCT)
Pathway for discriminative touch, conscious proprioception, and tactile sensation (vibration, pressure).
Lateral Spinothalamic Tract (LST)
Lateral Spinothalamic Tract (LST)
Pathway for pain and temperature sensation.
Corticospinal Tract
Corticospinal Tract
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Pontine Reticulospinal Tract
Pontine Reticulospinal Tract
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Study Notes
- Study notes on Cauda Equina Syndrome and Spinal Tracts
Cauda Equina Syndrome
- Mnemonic: "CAUDA = Can’t Activate Urine, Deficits Asymmetric".
- Characterized by complete loss of bowel/bladder control (flaccid).
- Causes asymmetrical weakness/sensory deficits.
- Unlikely to affect both sides of the body equally.
- Involves degeneration of peripheral nerves, which allows for better recovery.
- Can be caused by trauma and fractures below the L2 vertebra.
Sensory Tracts
- Mnemonic: "Dumb Llamas Always Play Around"
Dorsal Columns (DCT)
- Mnemonic: "DCT: Don’t Cut Touch"
- Responsible for discriminative touch, conscious proprioception and tactile sensations (vibration, pressure).
Lateral Spinothalamic Tract (LST)
- Mnemonic: "LST: Little Stabbing Temperature"
- Conveys pain and temperature sensations.
- Damage causes contralateral loss of pain sensation.
- Lateral = laceration
Anterior Spinothalamic Tract (AST)
- Mnemonic: "AST: A Soft Touch"
- Mediates crude touch and light tactile sensation.
- A person is aware of touch but it isn't precise
Posterior Spinocerebellar Tract (PSC)
- Mnemonic: "PSC: Please Sense Coordination"
- Function includes unconscious proprioception, sensory regulation (pressure, tension), and coordination of movement.
Anterior Spinocerebellar Tract (ASC)
- Mnemonic: "ASC: Automatic Stability Control"
- Function is for automatic movement, stability of posture, and coordination, especially in the lower limbs
Descending Tracts
- Mnemonic: "Cars Run Perfectly (C-R-P)"
Lateral & Anterior Corticospinal Tracts
- Mnemonic: "CORTIcospinal= Conscious Control"
- Responsible for conscious motor control.
- Carry outgoing signals from the brain to skeletal muscles.
- Facilitate fine voluntary movement.
- Terminate in the spinal cord and innervate skeletal muscles.
Rubrospinal Tract
- Mnemonic: "Rubro= Red Nucleus (flexor focus)"
- Originates in the red nucleus (midbrain).
- Supports unconscious motor control.
- Boosts flexor muscles.
- Reduces extensor tone, opposing gravity.
Pontine Reticulospinal Tract
- Mnemonic: "PONT = Posture Optimized, Needs Tone"
- Function encompasses posture maintenance.
- Optimizes extensor tone.
- Necessary for upright stance.
- Regulates tone particularly in antigravity muscles.
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Description
Study notes covering Cauda Equina Syndrome, characterized by loss of bowel/bladder control and asymmetrical deficits. Also covers Sensory Tracts including Dorsal Columns for discriminative touch, Lateral Spinothalamic Tract for pain and temperature, and Anterior Spinothalamic Tract for crude touch.
