Signs that Distinguish the Origin of Weakness
Sign | Upper Motor Neuron | Lower Motor Neuron | Myopathic | Psychogenic |
---|---|---|---|---|
Atrophy | None | Severe | Mild | None |
Fasciculations | None | Common | None | None |
Tone | Spastic | Decreased | Normal/decreased | Variable/paratonia |
Distribution of weakness | Pyramidal/regional | Distal/segmental | Proximal | Variable/inconsistent with daily activities |
Muscle stretch reflexes | Hyperactive | Hypoactive/absent | Normal/hypoactive | Normal |
Babinski sign | Present | Absent | Absent | Absent |