# Damage to the fibres of the corticospinal<unk> , anywhere along their course from the cerebral cortex to the lower end of the spinal cord, can cause an upper motor neuron syndrome. # A few days after the injury to the upper motor neurons, a pattern of motor signs and symptoms appears, including spasticity, hyperactive reflexes, a loss of the ability to perform fine movements, and an extensor plantar response known as the Babinski sign. # Symptoms generally occur alongside other sensory problems. # Causes may include disorders such as strokes, cerebral palsy, subdural hemorrhage, abscesses and tumours, neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple system atrophy, inflammation such as meningitis and multiple sclerosis, and trauma to the spinal cord, including from slipped discs. # If the corticobulbar<unk> is damaged on only one side, then only the lower face will be affected, however if there is involvement of both the left and right<unk> , then the result is pseudobulbar palsy. This causes problems with swallowing, speaking, and emotional lability. # Severe disabling involuntary movements such as hemiballismus or severe chorea might exhaust the patient and become a life-threatening situation. # In the past, this condition was treated by partial section of the<unk> either at the primary motor cortex or at the cerebral crus (pedunculotomy).
Pyramidal tracts
Anterior corticospinal tract
Frontopontine fibers
Cerebrospinal fibers
Geniculate fibers
Extrapyramidal system
Striatopallidal fibres
Hypothalamotegmental tract