- Key concepts
- Animation
Lesions to lateral corticospinal tract: above pyramidal decussation
Select the 
icons for further information. Each link opens in a new window.
Lesions to lateral corticospinal tract: above pyramidal decussation
Click/tap on the picture 5 times to advance the animation. Wait for each action potential to reach it's destination before clicking/tapping again.
In this diagram the effects of a lesion of the corticospinal tract above the pyramidal decussation is shown.
RESULT: Contralateral spastic paralysis
- Reflexes are still intact, but now, lacking descending control, they are exaggerated.
- Increased muscle tone driven by stretch reflexes, etc.
- Muscle fibres do not fasciculate or waste away.
- Paralysis of muscles occurs on the side contralateral to the lesion.
Select one of the tabs above, or choose a menu item to the left, to continue