Which symptom is NOT typically seen in lower motor neuron disease?

In lower motor neuron disease (LMND), symptoms primarily arise from the direct involvement of motor neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem, which leads to muscle weakness, atrophy, fasciculations, and reduced reflexes. Spasticity, however, is not typically associated with LMND; rather, it is more characteristic of upper motor neuron lesions.

When there is damage to lower motor neurons, the pathways that mediate voluntary movement are affected, resulting in decreased activation of muscles. This can lead to muscle atrophy due to disuse and denervation. Fasciculations, which are small, involuntary muscle contractions, also occur since the lower motor neurons lose their ability to effectively control muscle fibers. Furthermore, hyporeflexia, which refers to diminished reflexes, is a hallmark of lower motor neuron lesions because the reflex arc is interrupted or diminished.

In contrast, spasticity involves a resistance to passive stretch and is linked to overactive upper motor neurons, which can increase muscle tone and reflexes rather than reducing them. Therefore, this symptom stands out as not being typical for lower motor neuron diseases, making it the correct choice in this context.