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Modified Ashworth Scale – Grade 3 — SCE Neurology MCQ

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HardNeurorehabilitationModified Ashworth Scale – Grade 3SCE Neurology

After stroke, passive elbow extension is difficult through most of the range because of a considerable increase in tone, but the joint is not rigid. How is this graded on the Modified Ashworth Scale?

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Correct answer: D — Grade 3: considerable increase in tone making passive movement difficult

The best answer is “Grade 3: considerable increase in tone making passive movement difficult”. Grade 3 denotes a considerable increase in tone making passive movement difficult; grade 4 is rigidity. “Grade 0” is plausible in a different neurological context, but the decisive findings here argue against it. “Grade 1” is plausible in a different neurological context, but the decisive findings here argue against it. “Grade 1+” is plausible in a different neurological context, but the decisive findings here argue against it. “Grade 4” is plausible in a different neurological context, but the decisive findings here argue against it.

Reference: NICE NG236 stroke rehabilitation recommendations: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng236/chapter/Recommendations