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pedia - hypotonia
med22
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the definition of Weakness? | Weakness is a reduction in muscle strength, commonly tested by assessing the ability to move a body part against gravity or resistance. |
| What is the definition of Hypotonia? | Hypotonia, or "floppiness," is a reduction in muscle tone (resistance to passive stretch) and is not necessarily accompanied by weakness. |
| Which component of the motor system is affected in a Lower Motor Neuron Lesion (LMNL)? | The anterior horn cells, nerve roots, peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junction, or muscle. |
| List four key features of a Lower Motor Neuron Lesion (LMNL). | Weakness, hypotonia, hyporeflexia (or areflexia), and muscle atrophy/fasciculations. |
| What is the key difference in reflexes between an UMN lesion and an LMN lesion? | UMN lesions cause hyperreflexia; LMN lesions cause hyporeflexia or areflexia. |
| What two historical features help differentiate between central (UMN) and peripheral (LMN) causes of hypotonia in infants? | Infants with central hypotonia are typically alert with normal strength, while infants with peripheral hypotonia are weak with reduced alertness and poor feeding. |
| What is the most common genetic cause of infant mortality? | Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). |
| What is the genetic defect in Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)? | Deletion or mutation in the Survival Motor Neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. |
| What type of weakness is characteristic of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)? | Symmetrical, progressive proximal muscle weakness, with preservation of eye movements and facial muscles. |
| What is the primary treatment for SMA? | SMN-enhancing therapies, such as Nusinersen (Spinraza) or gene replacement therapy (e.g., Onasemnogene Abeparvovec). |
| What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)? | An acute, post-infectious, autoimmune disorder causing demyelination of peripheral nerves. |
| What is the classic presentation triad for Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)? | Acute onset of ascending (starting in legs), symmetric weakness, and areflexia. |
| What is the key life-threatening complication to monitor for in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)? | Respiratory failure due to weakness of the diaphragm and respiratory muscles. |
| What is the characteristic finding in the Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) analysis in GBS? | Albuminocytologic dissociation (high protein with a normal white blood cell count). |
| What are the two specific treatments for GBS? | Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) and plasma exchange (plasmapheresis). |
| What is the pathophysiology of Myasthenia Gravis (MG)? | An autoimmune disorder where antibodies block or destroy the Acetylcholine (ACh) receptors at the Neuromuscular Junction (NMJ). |
| What is the hallmark symptom of Myasthenia Gravis? | Fatigable weakness, which worsens with activity and improves with rest. |
| What class of medication is the first-line treatment for Myasthenia Gravis? | Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., Pyridostigmine). |
| What is the cause of Infant Botulism? | Ingestion of Clostridium botulinum spores (often from honey in infants younger than 1 year), leading to toxin release. |
| What part of the motor system is directly affected by the Botulinum Toxin? | The neuromuscular junction, by irreversibly blocking the release of Acetylcholine (ACh). |
| What is the classic triad of symptoms for Infant Botulism? | Constipation, generalized weakness, and ptosis (droopy eyelids). |
| What is the specific treatment for Infant Botulism? | Human Botulism Immune Globulin (BabyBIG). |
| What is the underlying cause of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)? | A genetic mutation leading to a deficiency of the protein Dystrophin. |
| What is the characteristic initial sign of DMD observed when a child attempts to rise from a squatting position? | Gowers' sign (using hands to "climb up" the legs). |
| What laboratory test is typically highly elevated in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy? | Creatine Kinase (CK) levels. |
| What is the initial management for any acute onset of severe weakness or hypotonia? | Emergency measures focusing on Airway, Breathing, and Circulation (ABCs), especially assessing respiratory function. |