Upper Motor Neuron Weakness Mnemonic

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Here is a quick mnemonic “UPPER WEAKNESS“ to remember about Upper Motor Neuron Weakness

This can be valuable for patients as well as medical doctors, nurses & students doing their clinical rounds. You can also find it very useful for med exams like USMLE, NEET PG, FMGE, NExT & NCLEX exams

Upper Motor Neuron Weakness Treatment : How To Remember Easily ?

  • U – Upper motor neuron lesions or descending axons to the spinal cord result in weakness through reduced activation of lower motor neurons.
  • P – Proximal muscle groups are less affected compared to distal muscle groups in cases of upper motor neuron lesions.
  • P – Axial movements are generally unaffected unless the lesion is severe and affects both sides.
  • E – Extraocular, upper facial, pharyngeal, and jaw muscles are typically spared in cases of corticobulbar involvement.
  • R – Rapid repetitive movements are slowed and coarse due to upper motor neuron lesions.
  • W – Weakness in the lower face and tongue is observed when there is corticobulbar involvement.
  • E – Emotional lability may accompany bilateral facial weakness and a brisk jaw jerk in cases of pseudobulbar palsy.
  • A – A diminished maximal discharge frequency is seen in electromyogram (EMG) results for upper motor neuron weakness.
  • K – Key symptoms of upper motor neuron weakness include spasticity and dysphonia.
  • N – Normal rhythmicity is generally maintained despite weakness caused by upper motor neuron lesions.
  • E – Electromyogram (EMG) reveals abnormalities in motor unit discharge frequency in upper motor neuron weakness.
  • S – Severe and bilateral corticobulbar lesions can result in pseudobulbar palsy, characterized by dysarthria, dysphagia, and dysphonia.
  • S – Spasticity is a typical feature observed in cases of upper motor neuron weakness.

Mnemonic : UPPER WEAKNESS

Dr. Arin Nandi

Passionate About Medical Science & Helping Future Doctors Achieve Top Ranks In Medical Exams. He is professionally a dentist as well as a public health expert from JIPMER working in govt.health department
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