Prevalence of upper motor neuron vs lower motor neuron lesions in complete lower thoracic and lumbar spinal cord injuries

Model System:

SCI

Reference Type:

Accession No.:

J46219.

Journal:

Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2002 , 25, 4, 289-292

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study examined the incidence and etiology of lower motor neuron (LMN), upper motor neuron (UMN), and mixed lesions in patients with complete thoracic and lumbar spinal cord injuries (SCI) for the following neurologic levels: T7 - T9, T10 - T12, and L1 - L3. Results showed the distribution of LMN, UMN, and mixed lesions were as follows: in the T7 - T9 group, 7.3 percent were LMN, 85.5 percent UMN, and 7.3 percent mixed; in the T10 - T12 group, 57 percent LMN, 17.7 percent UMN, and 25.3 percent mixed; and in the L1 - L3 group, 95.5 percent LMN, 0 percent UMN, and 4.5 percent mixed. Findings indicate that the type of lesion cannot be determined based on the neurological level of injury.

Author(s):

Doherty, Jeanne G., Burns, Anthony S., O'Ferrall, Dermot M., Ditunno, John F., Jr.