Extrapyramidal System Function and Lesion Signs
The extrapyramidal system includes neural pathways connecting the motor cortex and basal ganglia. Its primary role is regulating involuntary motor functions such as muscle tone, body posture, and the initiation of movement.
Clinical Presentation of Extrapyramidal Lesions
Damage or dysfunction within the extrapyramidal system typically leads to specific motor symptoms. Analyzing the options provided:
- Tremor and rigidity: These are hallmark signs of extrapyramidal dysfunction, often seen in conditions like Parkinson's disease, which affects the basal ganglia.
- Seizures: Primarily associated with cerebral cortex abnormalities or epilepsy.
- Urinary incontinence: Related to bladder control issues, often involving different nervous system pathways.
- Muscle wasting: Typically indicates lower motor neuron damage or severe disuse, not the primary feature of extrapyramidal lesions.
Therefore, lesions affecting the extrapyramidal system most commonly present clinically with tremor and rigidity.
Important Questions from Neuropathies
Consider the following clinical features :
1. Hypomimia
2. Dysphonia
3. Festination gait
4. Cogwheel rigidity
Which of the features given above are generally present in Parkinsonism?
Consider the following statements regarding Transient Global Amnesia (TGA):
1. TGA mainly affects middle aged persons who present with abrupt, discrete loss of anterograde memory lasting for few hours.
2. During the episode, the patients are unable to record new memories resulting in repetitive questioning.
3. Consciousness is impaired during the episode and the patient is unable to perform even simple motor functions.
4. After 4-6 hours, memory function and behaviour return to normal but the patient has complete and persistent amnesia for the duration of the episode.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- Which of the following correctly describes the primary position of the right eye in right 3rd cranial nerve palsy?
- Which one of the following distinguishes axonal degeneration from segmental demyelination on electrophysiological studies?
- Which of the following are correct with regard to Levodopa ?
1. It is most effective for relieving tremors
2. Only a small portion of total drug reaches the brain
3. Nausea may be offset by domperidone
4. It may trigger hallucinations
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
