Chapter 15: Motor Neuron Disease and Neuropathies

Motor Neuron Disease and Neuropathies

If a sensory study shows prolonged latencies but a motor study on the same peripheral nerve is normal, what does this typically indicate?

A. Mild axonal injury

B. Mild myelin injury

C. Moderate axonal injury

D. Moderate myelin injury

B. Mild myelin injury

In a needle EMG study, why is it important to study insertional activity?

A. To find evidence of axonal injury

B. To find evidence of myopathy

C. To study the neuromuscular junction

D. To study the nociceptors

A. To find evidence of axonal injury

What is the difference between H-reflex testing and F-wave testing?

A. Only F-wave testing requires normal motor neuron and motor axon function

B. Only H-reflex testing is useful for detecting radiculopathy

C. Only F-wave testing requires an intact nerve plexus

D. Only H-reflex testing requires normal sensory axons

D. Only H-reflex testing requires normal sensory axons

Death from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) from the time of diagnosis occurs on average in:

A. 6–12 months

B. 1–3 years

C. 3–5 years

D. 5–7 years

C. 3–5 years

A variant of sporadic ALS that features spasticity with only slight weakness of the extremities due to dysfunction of the corticospinal tract without lower motor neuron involvement is:

A. Primary lateral sclerosis

B. Progressive bulbar palsy

C. Pseudobulbar palsy

D. Progressive muscular atrophy

A. Primary lateral sclerosis

Which of the following impairments is relatively rare in people with ALS?

A. Sensory deficits

B. Dysphagia

C. Weakness/paralysis of spinal muscles

D. Fatigue

A. Sensory deficits

Questions 7 and 8 refer to the following scenario:

Mary Thomas is a 40-year-old female with familial ALS. She reports she has always been active prior to her ...