UMN, Upper Motor Neuron

Clinic

• It is an entity which is characterized with problems in UMN Pathways
• They are first-order neurons which are responsible for carrying signals that initiate and modulate movement, in order to coordinate movement.
• The major UMN tract that initiates voluntary movement is the pyramidal tract.
  • Static etiologies (like )
  • Dynamic (Motor Neuron Disease)

Sign / Symptoms

• Muscle Weakness
• Decreased motor control including Speed, Accuracy and Dexterity
• Hypotonia or Hypertonia
• Decreased endurance
• Exaggerated deep tendon reflexes including:
  • Spasticity
  • Hyper reflexia
  • Clonus (a series of involuntary rapid muscle contractions)
  • Reappearance of primitive reflexes, such as the extensor plantar response (Babinski sign)

Causes

Dynamic	Static
Primary lateral sclerosis ALS	Upper motor neuron lesions