Spinal Myopathy: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary symptom of spinal myopathy?

Neuropathies

Myopathies

A forward-bent posture (correct)

Decreased mobility

Which diagnostic method may reveal abnormalities in muscle function, such as fibrillations, sharp waves, and high-frequency discharges?

Electromyography (EMG) (correct)

Range of motion test

Muscle biopsy

Clinical examination

Spinal myopathy is often associated with which underlying neurological disorders?

Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and multiple sclerosis

Fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, and scoliosis

Parkinson's disease, myopathies, and neuropathies (correct)

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, and myasthenia gravis

What is a common observation in patients with spinal myopathy?

A forward-bent posture in the spine Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a muscle biopsy in diagnosing spinal myopathy?

To identify myopathic changes, such as abnormal fiber size variation Signup and view all the answers

What is the outlook for treatment of spinal myopathy?

Treatment options are limited and frequently futile Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential treatment approach for spinal myopathy that involves the use of a neurotoxin?

Injection of botulinum toxin Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a diagnostic method used to diagnose spinal myopathy?

Blood tests Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that determines the prognosis for spinal myopathy?

Underlying cause of the condition Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential complication of spinal myopathy despite treatment?

Increased functional limitations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic symptom of spinal myopathy?

Forward-bent posture Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between spinal myopathy and neurological disorders?

Spinal myopathy is often associated with various underlying neurological disorders Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy?

Caused by mutations in the androgen receptor gene Signup and view all the answers

What is the common underlying mechanism of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and primary lateral sclerosis?

Degeneration of motor neurons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is inherited?

Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary site of pathology in primary lateral sclerosis?

Corticospinal tracts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is characterized by muscle weakness, atrophy, and wasting, particularly affecting the upper limbs?

Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy Signup and view all the answers

What is the common age of onset for spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy?

Adolescence or early adulthood Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary genetic cause of Spinal Muscular Atrophy?

Mutations in the SMN1 gene Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical age of diagnosis for Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia?

Adulthood Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is characterized by progressive spasticity and weakness in the lower limbs?

Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the SMN protein in Spinal Muscular Atrophy?

Survival of motor neurons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is characterized by degeneration of motor neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem?

Spinal Muscular Atrophy Signup and view all the answers

What is the molecular basis of Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia?

Mutations in genes involved in axon maintenance Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic feature of a lesion below the medulla in terms of motor deficits?

Contralateral weakness in the lateral corticospinal tract and ipsilateral in the anterior corticospinal tract Signup and view all the answers

Which type of weakness is mostly seen with UMN lesions?

Hemiplegia Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic feature of upper motor neuron lesions in terms of reflexes?

Hyper-reflexia Signup and view all the answers

Which type of lesion results in atrophy and fasciculations?

Lower motor neuron lesion Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic feature of Cross syndrome in terms of motor and sensory deficits?

Ipsilateral weakness and contralateral sensory loss Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tract is responsible for transmitting pain and temperature sensations?

Spino-thalamic tract Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common cause of myelopathy?

Degenerative discs/spondylosis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an intra-medullary tumor?

Ependymoma Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a lesion above the medulla?

Contralateral weakness in both corticospinal tracts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a motor neuron disease?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Signup and view all the answers

What is the location of the Upper Motor Neurons (UMN) and Lower Motor Neurons (LMN)?

UMN are from the cortex to the anterior horns, and LMN are from the anterior horns to the Neuromuscular junction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a type of myelopathy?

Compressive myelopathy Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic feature of cervical lesions in terms of motor weakness?

Ipsilateral hemiplegia with UMN signs Signup and view all the answers

Which type of lesion typically spares the posterior side?

Anterior spinal artery lesion Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic feature of lumbar lesions in terms of motor weakness?

Ipsilateral monoplegia Signup and view all the answers

Which type of lesion is characterized by loss of motion and sensation in arms and hands?

Central cord syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic feature of thoracic lesions in terms of motor weakness?

UMN signs in LL only Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic feature of C8T1 lesions in terms of motor weakness?

Sparing of the shoulders and the lateral side of the hand Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Spinal myopathy is a condition that affects the muscles of the spine, leading to a forward-bent posture and decreased mobility. It is often associated with various underlying neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, myopathies, and neuropathies. The condition is characterized by a range of symptoms and can be diagnosed through various diagnostic methods, including clinical examination, electrophysiological tests, and muscle biopsy.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of spinal myopathy is a forward-bent posture, called camptocormia. This posture is often accompanied by a reduced range of motion in the spine and may lead to decreased mobility and functional limitations. Camptocormia is often observed in patients with certain neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, myopathies, and neuropathies.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing spinal myopathy involves a combination of clinical examination, electrophysiological tests, and muscle biopsy. Clinical examination may reveal a forward-bent posture, reduced range of motion in the spine, and decreased mobility. Electrophysiological tests, such as electromyography (EMG), may reveal abnormalities in muscle function, such as fibrillations, sharp waves, and high-frequency discharges. Muscle biopsy may reveal myopathic changes, such as abnormal fiber size variation, increased internal nuclei, increased connective tissue, or myofiber disarray.

Treatment

Treatment options for spinal myopathy are limited and frequently futile. Conservative measures include psychotherapy, physiotherapy, application of drugs, injection of botulinum toxin, withdrawal of causative drugs, or electroconvulsive therapy. Invasive therapeutic measures include surgical methods or deep brain stimulation. The choice of treatment depends on the underlying cause of the spinal myopathy.

Prognosis

The prognosis for spinal myopathy depends on the underlying cause and the response to treatment. In some cases, the condition may progress despite treatment, leading to increased functional limitations and decreased mobility. In other cases, treatment may help to slow the progression or even improve function.

Conclusion

Spinal myopathy is a condition that affects the muscles of the spine, leading to a forward-bent posture and decreased mobility. It is often associated with various underlying neurological disorders. The diagnosis of spinal myopathy involves a combination of clinical examination, electrophysiological tests, and muscle biopsy. Treatment options are limited and depend on the underlying cause. The prognosis for spinal myopathy depends on the underlying cause and the response to treatment.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of spinal myopathy, a condition affecting the muscles of the spine, leading to a forward-bent posture and decreased mobility. Learn about its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis. Discover how it's associated with various neurological disorders and how it's diagnosed through clinical examination, electrophysiological tests, and muscle biopsy.