The motor symptoms vary according to the region mainly involved, cortex or base. In the former case, excitation results in twitchings and convulsions of the regions supplied by the cortical areas involved. Convulsions may be general or confined to a certain group of muscles, the former condition usually present in children, the latter more often observed in adults and occasionally partaking of the Jacksonian type. Convulsions may be associated with contractures of the limbs, the flexors mainly affected in such a manner that an attitude of general flexion may be assumed. The patient appears to suffer pain when attempts are made to straighten the limbs. In any case, such attempts are resisted.
Implication of the base of the brain. This is evidenced by symptoms sufficiently definite. Thus, the following symptoms may be observed:—
Optic neuritis.
Myosis and squints, from involvement of the third, fourth, and sixth nerves.
Trismus, from implication of the third division of the fifth nerve.
Facial paralysis, from implication of the seventh nerve.
Deafness, from involvement of the eighth nerve.
Dysphagia and dyspnœa, from involvement of the ninth and tenth nerves.
Rigidity of the neck and torticollis, from involvement of the eleventh nerve.
Retraction of the head and neck, from involvement of the posterior divisions of the upper cervical nerves.