BCS Neuro Physical Practice Exam 2025 – The Complete All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Flaccidity refers to a state of reduced muscle tone and strength, often leading to weakness and a lack of resistance to passive movement. This condition can arise from damage to the motor pathways or lower motor neurons, both of which are commonly affected by a stroke.

A stroke can disrupt the brain's ability to send signals to the muscles, resulting in flaccid paralysis, particularly shortly after the event, where affected limbs may appear limp and unresponsive. This phenomenon is typically observed in the early phases after a stroke, especially if the areas of the brain responsible for motor control are compromised.

While Huntington's disease, tumors in the cerebellum, and multiple sclerosis can cause various motor symptoms and muscle control issues, they are generally associated with different types of muscle activity or tone disturbances. For instance, Huntington's may lead to chorea and rigidity over time, tumors in the cerebellum can cause coordination problems but not typically flaccidity, and multiple sclerosis can present with spasticity and fatigue rather than flaccid muscle tone.

Understanding the neuroanatomy and pathology behind these conditions highlights why stroke is the most direct and common cause of flaccidity in a clinical context.