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Chapter 7 - Discussion of the Upper Motor Neuron Syndrome

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 July 2023

Robert Laureno
Robert Laureno
Affiliation:
Georgetown University, Washington DC
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Summary

In the upper motor neuron syndrome, there are abnormalities of spinal reflexes. The disordered monosynaptic muscle stretch reflex is manifest by a velocity dependent increase in muscle tone and exaggerated tendon jerks. The cutaneous reflex to plantar stimulation is abnormal in that plantar flexion of the great toe is lost. Disinhibition of the polysynaptic spinal flexion reflex is responsible for the Babinski sign and the clasp-knife phenomenon.

Keywords

Upper motor neuron syndromeBabinski signclasp-knife phenomenonclasp-knife rigidityhyperreflexia
Type
Chapter
Information
Insights into Clinical Neurology , pp. 44 - 47
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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References

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