signs that distinguish patterns of muscle weakness

Clinical manifestations: 1) upper motor neuron weakness - no muscle atrophy - no fasciculations - spastic tone - pyramidal/regional distribution of weakness - hyperactive deep tendon reflexes (DTR) - positive Babinski's sign 2) lower motor neuron weakness - severe muscle atrophy - fasciculations are common - decreased muscle tone - distal/segmental distribution of weakness - hypoactive/absent deep tendon reflexes (DTR) - Babinski's sign is absent 3) myopathic weakness - mild muscle atrophy - no fasciculations - normal/decreased muscle tone - proximal distribution of weakness - normal/hypoactive deep tendon reflexes (DTR) - Babinski's sign is absent

Related

Babinski's sign deep tendon reflex (DTR) fasciculation (muscle twitching) muscle atrophy (amyotrophy) muscle weakness

References

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th ed. Fauci et al (eds), McGraw-Hill Inc. NY, 1998, pg 108