Neurological Examination and Conditions Flashcards

Ascending symmetric weakness with areflexia developing over days after a viral illness is most consistent with:

Answer: Guillain-Barré syndrome

Guillain-Barré syndrome typically presents as an acute ascending flaccid paralysis with loss of reflexes following an infection.

Fatigable ptosis and diplopia that worsen with sustained upward gaze are hallmark signs of:

Answer: Myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis causes fluctuating, fatigable weakness of ocular and other muscles due to antibodies against acetylcholine receptors.

The dermatome that covers the nipple line is:

Answer: T4

The T4 dermatome corresponds to the level of the nipples.

A lesion causing loss of pain and temperature on one side of the body indicates damage to which tract?

Answer: Spinothalamic tract

Pain and temperature sensation travel via the spinothalamic tract, which crosses near its level of entry.

In Weber's tuning fork test, sound lateralizing to the affected ear suggests:

Answer: Conductive hearing loss in that ear

Weber lateralizes to the ear with conductive loss (or away from the sensorineural-loss ear).

A patient cannot recognize objects placed in the hand by touch alone despite intact sensation. This is called:

Answer: Astereognosis

Astereognosis is the inability to identify objects by touch, indicating a parietal cortical lesion.

Which reflex tests the S1 nerve root?

Answer: Achilles (ankle) reflex

The Achilles reflex is mediated primarily by the S1 nerve root.