Which sign is not indicative of lower motor neuron lesions?

Study for the ABPN Exam in Psychiatry and Neurology. Use our quiz with multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Get ready to excel in your exam!

Babinski's sign is not indicative of lower motor neuron lesions; rather, it is associated with upper motor neuron lesions. The presence of Babinski's sign, which is characterized by the extension of the big toe and fanning of the other toes in response to stimulation of the sole of the foot, suggests dysfunction in the corticospinal tract, an important pathway for voluntary motor control originating from the brain.

In contrast, hypotonia refers to decreased muscle tone and is a common sign of lower motor neuron damage, as the muscles are not receiving adequate signals from the spinal cord to maintain normal tension. Fasciculations, which are spontaneous, involuntary muscle contractions, reflect a loss of lower motor neurons and their corresponding innervation. Hyporeflexia indicates a reduction in reflexes and is also a hallmark of lower motor neuron lesions, as the reflex arc is disrupted when lower motor neurons are affected.

Understanding the distinctions between signs of upper and lower motor neuron lesions is critical in clinical assessments, as it assists in localizing neurological issues and determining appropriate interventions.

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