Quiz on Spasticity and Neurophysiology

Aashi, a 30-year-old woman, has been experiencing muscle stiffness and spasms after a recent accident. After consulting with her doctor, she learns about the various neurophysiological causes of spasticity. Which of the following is the most common neurophysiological cause of spasticity?

• Damage to the cerebellum

• Injury to the lower motor neuron

• Lesion of the corticospinal tract

• Blockage of the dorsal root ganglia

Aarav is a physical therapist working with a patient who has difficulty with muscle control. He notices that when he tries to stretch the patient's muscles, they resist more when he moves them quickly compared to when he moves them slowly. This observation leads him to consider the nature of the patient's condition. Spasticity is best described as:

• Velocity-independent resistance to passive stretch

• Random, involuntary muscle contractions

• Velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone

• Reduced resistance during passive movement

Aarav, a physical therapist, is treating a patient who has been experiencing spasticity in their muscles. He recalls that certain neurotransmitter imbalances can contribute to this condition. Which neurotransmitter imbalance is most commonly associated with spasticity?

• Dopamine excess

• GABA deficiency

• Serotonin excess

• Glutamate deficiency

During a physical therapy session, Riyaan is being assessed for his reflex responses. The therapist notices that Riyaan's reflexes are more pronounced than expected, particularly when his muscles are stretched. Which reflex is exaggerated in individuals with spasticity?

• Crossed extensor reflex

• Flexor withdrawal reflex

• Stretch reflex (myotatic reflex)

• Inverse stretch reflex

Advait, a patient with spasticity, is trying to manage his condition. He notices that certain factors seem to affect his symptoms. Which of the following factors can increase spasticity in Advait?

• Relaxation techniques

• Cold weather

• Warm baths

• Adequate sleep

During a physical therapy session, Advait is struggling to regain control over his movements after a recent injury. His therapist explains that the corticospinal tract is crucial for voluntary motor control and that damage to this tract can lead to spasticity. Which descending tract primarily regulates voluntary motor control and contributes to spasticity when damaged?

• Vestibulospinal tract

• Reticulospinal tract

• Corticospinal tract

• Spinothalamic tract

During a medical conference, Dr. Smith presented a case study of a patient who exhibited significant muscle stiffness and spasms. He asked the audience, "Which clinical condition is commonly associated with spasticity?"

• Guillain-Barré Syndrome

• Myasthenia Gravis

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Bell's Palsy

During a physical therapy session, a therapist is assessing a patient who has recently suffered a stroke. The therapist needs to determine the level of spasticity in the patient's limbs to create an effective treatment plan. Which of the following assessments is used to measure spasticity?

• Mini-Mental State Exam

• Modified Ashworth Scale

• Berg Balance Scale

• Fugl-Meyer Assessment

During a physical therapy session, a therapist observes that Akhil's muscle tone is significantly increased, making it difficult for him to perform certain movements. The therapist wonders, which neural mechanism contributes most to the increased tone in spasticity?

• Reduced activity of the cerebellum

• Hyperexcitability of alpha motor neurons

• Blockade of sensory afferents

• Increased inhibition of gamma motor neurons

During a physical therapy session, Akhil is experiencing spasticity in his muscles. The therapist is considering various methods to help alleviate this condition temporarily. Which of the following techniques should the therapist use?

• Cold packs

• Quick stretching

• Vibration over muscle belly

• Sustained stretching