Lihaskoe

Lihaskoe is a term of Finnish origin that translates to "muscle test" or "muscle examination." It refers to a medical assessment or diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the strength, function, and integrity of a person's muscles. This examination is a fundamental part of a neurological or physical examination and helps physicians identify potential muscle disorders, nerve damage, or other conditions affecting motor function.

A lihaskoe can involve various methods. Simple observation may reveal muscle atrophy (wasting) or hypertrophy (enlargement). Palpation can assess muscle tone and tenderness. More active components include testing muscle strength against resistance, where a patient attempts to move a limb or body part while the examiner applies opposing force. This can be done systematically for individual muscle groups or major muscle chains. Range of motion assessments, both active and passive, are also part of a comprehensive lihaskoe to check for stiffness, weakness, or pain during movement. Reflex testing, such as the deep tendon reflexes, provides indirect information about the nerve pathways controlling muscle activity.

The findings from a lihaskoe guide the diagnosis and treatment plan for a wide range of conditions. These can include muscular dystrophies, myasthenia gravis, peripheral neuropathies, spinal cord injuries, and stroke. Detailed documentation of muscle strength grading, tone, and any abnormalities observed during the lihaskoe is crucial for tracking disease progression and the effectiveness of interventions.