Neurology LMN and UMN Lesions Quiz

The inability to move a part of the body due to a problem with the motor pathways, from the brain to the muscles.

A severe type of paralysis affecting one side of the body.

A severe type of paralysis affecting all four limbs.

A severe type of paralysis affecting both legs.

A lesser degree of paralysis where the muscle can still contract, but with reduced strength.

Weakness of one side of the body, less severe than hemiplegia.

The upper motor neuron originates in the cerebral cortex and synapses with the lower motor neuron in the spinal cord.

The lower motor neuron originates in the spinal cord and reaches the muscles.

A problem with the lower motor neuron or the neuromuscular junction. This type of weakness is characterized by muscle atrophy.

A problem with the upper motor neuron. This type of weakness is often accompanied by spasticity.

An interruption of blood flow to the Anterior Cerebral Artery (ACA), which supplies the areas controlling the leg. This leads to weakness on the opposite side of the body (contralateral), primarily affecting the leg more than the arm.

A collection of nerve fibers that travel uninterruptedly from the cerebral motor cortex to the spinal cord and brainstem. They control voluntary movements under conscious control.

A region in the brain that contains nerve fibers responsible for movement control. It includes both corticospinal and corticobulbar fibers.

A part of the brainstem where corticospinal tracts continue their journey, while corticobulbar fibers end.

A major pathway in the spinal cord that carries signals from the brain to the muscles, responsible for voluntary movement.

The part of the Lateral Corticospinal Tract responsible for controlling arm movements.

The part of the Lateral Corticospinal Tract responsible for controlling leg movements.

A pathway responsible for controlling the muscles of the face and head, originating in the cerebral cortex and projecting to the brainstem.

A type of paralysis caused by damage to the lower motor neuron (LMN) anywhere along its pathway. It results in muscle weakness, flaccidity, and loss of reflexes.

The final pathway that transmits signals from the brain to the muscles. It involves the lower motor neurons, which extend from the brainstem or spinal cord to the muscles.

The upper motor neuron (UMN) controls the activity of the lower motor neuron (LMN) by sending commands to it.

The facial nerve, which is a cranial nerve, controls the muscles of the face. Damage to this nerve can cause facial paralysis, which can affect both the upper and lower halves of the face.

A neurological condition resulting in muscle weakness or paralysis on one side of the face. It is caused by damage to the facial nerve, which is a LMN issue.

A neurological condition resulting in muscle weakness or paralysis on one side of the face. It is caused by damage to the corticobulbar tract which connects the brain to the facial nerve (UMN issue).

The corticobulbar tract has fibers that cross over (decussate) and fibers that stay on the same side of the body. Because of this crossover, a lesion in the left corticobulbar tract will affect the right side of the face, and vice versa.

A lesion in the afferent or efferent nerve (lower motor neuron) leads to decreased or absent reflex response.

A lesion in the upper motor neuron results in exaggerated reflex responses.

The corticospinal tract originates in the cerebral cortex and descends to synapse with the lower motor neuron in the spinal cord.

Cerebellar lesions do not cause muscle weakness but lead to ataxia (incoordination) because the cerebellum's main function is to coordinate movements.

A cerebellar lesion causes ataxia on the same side of the body as the lesion due to the two decussations the corticospinal tract undergoes.

Spastic paralysis results from lesions in the upper motor neuron, causing increased muscle tone and stiffness.

Flaccid paralysis arises from lesions in the lower motor neuron, leading to decreased muscle tone and weakness.

Lesions in the upper motor neuron (UMN) cause spastic paralysis, while lesions in the lower motor neuron (LMN) cause flaccid paralysis.

A small, localized stroke affecting a small blood vessel in the brain, typically causing weakness in a specific part of the body.

The middle cerebral artery supplies blood to a large portion of the brain, including areas responsible for controlling movement. A blockage in this artery can lead to weakness in the face, arm, and leg on the opposite side of the body.

A type of paralysis where the muscles are stiff and may involuntarily contract. This often occurs after a stroke affecting the upper motor neuron.

A type of weakness that affects the face muscles, often stemming from a lesion in the corticobulbar tract.

A lesion in the motor cortex, the part of the brain responsible for controlling voluntary movement, causes weakness in the opposite side of the body.

The corticospinal tract is a pathway in the brain and spinal cord that transmits signals for voluntary movement. Damage to this tract can cause weakness in the opposite side of the body.

A pathway connecting the dentate nucleus in the cerebellum to the contralateral motor cortex. It helps coordinate voluntary movement and balance.

A pathway similar to the dentato-thalamo-cortical tract but with an additional connection to the red nucleus. It also helps coordinate movement and balance.

Weakness in the arm and leg, with the face spared. This is a common presentation of anterior cerebral artery (ACA) infarction.

A rare disorder affecting the facial nerve, causing weakness or paralysis of one side of the face. It can be caused by inflammation, viral infection, or injury.

Weakness of the face on one side and weakness of the arm and leg on the opposite side. This is seen in lesions affecting the brainstem.

Weakness of all four limbs, but less severe than quadriplegia.

Weakness of both legs, but less severe than paraplegia.

Weakness on one side of the body due to a lesion affecting the brainstem. The weakness is characterized by spasticity on the affected side, meaning the muscles are stiff and difficult to move.

Weakness that affects both arms and legs symmetrically.

Weakness that affects both legs. This can be caused by lesions affecting the thoracic spinal cord.