Cutaneous Reflexes Flashcards
What are the 3 Cutaneous Reflexes?
- Abdominal Reflex
- Babinski Reflex / Normal Plantar Reflex
- Hoffman Reflex
What is the purpose of doing a Cutaneous Reflex?
Sign of an UMN lesion in an adult.
Before beginning a Cutaneous Reflex test, what do you want to do first?
explain purpose of test to patient
How would you explain the purpose of a Cutaneous Reflex test to a patient?
You have reflexes in your body that are controlled by specific nerves. By testing these reflexes on specific parts of your body, I can assess these specific nerves and systems. I want you to try and relax as much as possible for me. Okay?
How is the patient positioned for an Abdominal Reflex?
Subject is lying supine, with abdomen uncovered and knees bent to relax abdominal musculature. Perform text when patient exhales.
How is an Abdominal Reflex performed?
Apply a sharp stimulus with end of reflex hammer to T6-L1 region directed from LATERAL to MEDIAL with dermatome. Perform test when patient exhales.
What is normal abdominal reflex?
deviation of umbilicus toward stimulus
What is abnormal abdominal reflex?
absence of movement following stimulus.
What is a babinkski reflex also known as?
Normal Plantar Reflex
What age is a babinkski reflex normal for?
over two years of age
How is the patient positioned for a babinski reflex?
Patient (is supine?) with position of knee in full extension.
How is the Babinkski reflex performed?
With a sharp stimulus of the end of the reflex hammer, stroke the lateral sole of the foot beginning at the calcaneous, proceeding distally over the shaft of the fifth metatarsal, and then turning medially across the metatarsal heads to the medial side.
What is a normal babinski reflex?
Toe flexion (normal plantar reflex)
What is an abnormal babinkski reflex (babinski sign)?
In presence of a UMN lesion, extension of the great toe and fanning of the other toes.
How is the babinkski test recorded?
As present or absent (NOT positive or negative. Arrow up or arrow down at foot of stick figure.
