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Differentiation of Types of Motor Paralysis

Key Points Upper Motor Neuron Paralysis Lower Motor Neuron Paralysis Mixed Paralysis
1. Degree of Paralysis Incomplete Complete Mainly complete
2. Muscle Atrophy Not obvious More obvious More obvious
3. Muscle Tone Increased Decreased or lost May increase early, lost later
4. Range of Paralysis More extensive Limited to the innervated spinal segments More extensive
5. Tendon Reflexes Exaggerated Absent Exaggerated first, then absent
6. Pathological Reflexes Often present Absent Present first, then absent

References

Research Paper Chen Xiaoping, Editor. Surgery (8-year program) (2nd edition). People's Medical Publishing House. 2010. p994.
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