signs that distinguish patterns of muscle weakness

Clinical manifestations

• 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
• 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
• 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

Additional terms

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