Weakness due to upper motor neuron dysfunction
Paralysis of voluntary muscles means loss of contraction due to interruption of one or more motor pathways from the brain to the muscle fibers. Although the word paralysis is often used interchangeably to mean either complete or partial loss of muscle strength, it is preferable to use paralysis or plegia for complete or severe loss of muscle strength, and paresis for partial or slight loss. Paralysis due to lesions of the principle motor tracts is related to a lesion in the corticospinal, corticobulbar or brainstem descending (subcorticospinal) neurons.
Also called: Paralysis due to lesions of the principle motor tracts.
Conditions associated with weakness due to upper motor neuron dysfunction
The following conditions have been associated with weakness due to upper motor neuron dysfunction in medical literature. This is informational and not a diagnosis.
Frontotemporal dementia with motor neuron disease
Frontotemporal dementia with motor neuron disease is a medical condition that may be associated with various s...
Japanese encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms...
Tests providers may use to investigate weakness due to upper motor neuron dysfunction
When investigating weakness due to upper motor neuron dysfunction, a healthcare provider may order one or more of the following laboratory tests. Test selection is a clinical decision made by a qualified professional.
CBC with Differential
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help evaluate overall health and detect disorder...
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Measures 14 substances in the blood to assess kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar ...
Urinalysis
Examines urine content to help detect urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes....
Symptoms commonly seen alongside weakness due to upper motor neuron dysfunction
Depression
Frequently experiencing feelings of being down, miserable, and/or hopeless; struggling to recover from these m...
Dysphagia
Difficulty in swallowing....
Fatigue
A subjective feeling of tiredness characterized by a lack of energy and motivation....
Fever
Body temperature elevated above the normal range....
Headache
Cephalgia, or pain sensed in various parts of the head, not confined to the area of distribution of any nerve....
Seizure
A seizure is an intermittent abnormality of nervous system physiology characterized by a transient occurrence ...
When to seek care
Seek care from a qualified healthcare provider if weakness due to upper motor neuron dysfunction is severe, persistent, worsening, or accompanied by concerning symptoms. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the symptom weakness due to upper motor neuron dysfunction mean?
Weakness due to upper motor neuron dysfunction is a health sign or symptom described in medical literature. Paralysis of voluntary muscles means loss of contraction due to interruption of one or more motor pathways from the brain to the muscle fibers. Although the word paralysis is often used interchangeably to mean either complete or partial loss of muscle strength, it is preferable to use paralysis or plegia for complete or severe loss of muscle strength, and paresis for partial or slight loss. Paralysis due to lesions of the principle motor tracts is related to a lesion in the corticospinal, corticobulbar or brainstem descending (subcorticospinal) neurons.
Which conditions are associated with weakness due to upper motor neuron dysfunction?
Weakness due to upper motor neuron dysfunction has been reported in association with 3 conditions in the medical literature we index, including Frontotemporal dementia with motor neuron disease, Japanese encephalitis, Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. These associations do not mean you have any of these conditions.
Should I see a doctor about weakness due to upper motor neuron dysfunction?
You should discuss any persistent or concerning symptoms with a qualified healthcare provider. This website does not provide diagnosis. If you have severe symptoms or signs of a medical emergency, seek care immediately.