National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

Which symptom is most closely associated with the presence of muscle weakness and hyperreflexia?

1. Multiple sclerosis

2. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

3. Cervical spondylosis

4. Myasthenia gravis

The correct answer is: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

The presence of muscle weakness and hyperreflexia is most closely associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This condition primarily affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive muscle weakness as the motor neurons degenerate. As the upper motor neurons are impacted, patients often experience hyperreflexia, which is an overactive or heightened response of the reflexes. In ALS, both the upper and lower motor neurons are involved, which is why individuals may show signs of both weakness and exaggerated reflex responses. This dual involvement is distinctive and helps differentiate ALS from other conditions. While multiple sclerosis (MS) can also present with muscle weakness, it typically involves a range of other neurological symptoms and is characterized more by spasticity than hyperreflexia alone. Cervical spondylosis usually does not lead to hyperreflexia, as it primarily affects spinal structure rather than the motor neurons directly. Myasthenia gravis characteristically leads to muscle weakness that worsens with activity but does not present with hyperreflexia; instead, it features fatigable weakness due to impaired neuromuscular transmission. Thus, the symptom combination of muscle weakness and hyperreflexia aligns closely with the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.