Reflexes Flashcards
C5 and C6
Biceps and Brachioradialis
C7
Triceps and brachioradialis
L3 L4
Quadriceps
S1
Achilles tendon reflex
What is clonus and how to do it
Rapid strong oscillation of muscular contraction, indicating an Upepr motor neuron lesion affecting the corticospinal tract.
Supine
push the foot upwards into dorsiflexion and hold
If there is rapid beating movements 3-5 beats this is positive
Babinski and how to do it
Used to identogy UMN lesions affecting the corticospinal tract
Patient lying supine, stroke the lateral aspect of the sole from the heel upwards and medially towards the big toe
Abnormal response
Extension of the 1st toe abduction of all others
Hoffmans Catch
To test for UMN lesions in the corticospinal tract
Position the patient: Have the patient relax their hand and hold it gently.
Stabilize the hand: Support the patient’s wrist so their fingers are slightly flexed.
Flick the nail of the middle or index finger downward.
Abnormal (Positive Hoffman’s): Involuntary flexion of the thumb and index finger, indicating UMN dysfunction.
spinal cord compression, multiple sclerosis, or cervical myelopathy.
Rhombergs
Test for proprioception
Position the patient: Have the patient stand with feet together, arms at their sides, and eyes open.
Observe balance: Ensure the patient can maintain balance with eyes open (indicating intact cerebellar function).
Close the eyes: Ask the patient to close their eyes and remain still for 30 seconds.
Observe for swaying or falling:
Normal (Negative Romberg Sign): Minimal swaying, no loss of balance.
Abnormal (Positive Romberg Sign): Increased swaying or falling, suggesting proprioceptive or vestibular dysfunction.
Positive Romberg (worsening balance with eyes closed): Suggests sensory ataxia due to dorsal column dysfunction (e.g., vitamin B12 deficiency, tabes dorsalis, peripheral neuropathy).
Explain UMN dysfunction
Could indicate a myelopathy, Spinal cord compression or a spinal cord injury
