Reflexes

Question 1

Why is reflex testing used?

Answer 1

It is a diagnostic tool used to assess the condition of a person’s nervous system.

I.e the spinal cord/brain

Distorted, exaggerated or absence may indicate damage to a particular part.

Question 2

Are reflexes voluntary or involuntary?

Answer 2

Involuntary

They are rapid involuntary responses to stimuli occurring over simple nerve pathways.

Question 3

What is a reflex are composed of?

Answer 3

● Receptor

● Sensory neurons

● Integration centre (synapse in cns)

● Motor neurons

● Effector

Question 4

What is the Pupillary reflex used for ?

Answer 4

Assess brain trauma and deterioration of brain tissue.

By shining a light in one eye whilst covering the other. Pupils should constrict briskly.

Both eyes should be equal .

Question 5

What happens in the deep tendon reflex?

Answer 5

If you tap on the tendin of a muscle, it contracts.

Its synergists contract and its antagonists are inhibited aka POLYSYNAPTIC reflex.

Question 6

What part of the spine does the deep tendon BICEPS test?

Upper limb

Answer 6

C5/C6

Question 7

What part of the spine does the deep tendon TRICEPS test?

Answer 7

(C6/C7)

Question 8

What part of the spine does the deep tendon brachioradialis test?

Answer 8

C5/6

Question 9

The lower limb deep tendon reflex which tests the knee, is also known as………….?

Answer 9

patellar reflex

Which assesses the nerves between the region of the spinal cord between lumber 2 and 4(L3/4)

Elicated by sharply tapping just below the knee with the base of a Taylor Hammer.

Question 10

The lower limb deep tendon Ankle reflex is also known as…………..?

Answer 10

Achilles which tests L5/S1.

Question 11

What is the name given to superficial spinal reflex?

Answer 11

Planter reflex

Question 12

How is the planter reflex elicited?

Answer 12

By firmly drawing the handle of a Taylor hammer along the lateral border of the foot from the heel to the toe.

NORMAL adult response: toes flex and move together away from body.

NORMAL baby response: toes flare and bug toe moves upwards. Aka. Babinski reflex

Question 13

When examining reflexes, what principles must be observed?

Answer 13

1) relaxed patient
2) identify tendon
3) single, well directed strike

4) identify reaction
- visible limb movement
- visible muscle contraction
- palpable muscle contraction

5) reinforcement techniques
6) more than one method to get reaction

Question 14

At birth infant reflexes are primitive. If they aren’t present at birth. What can that indicate?

Answer 14

Lack of development of the Central Nervous System

Question 15

What are primitive reflexes superseded and when does this occur?

Answer 15

Postural reflexes which are voluntary responses and occurs between 6-12 months of life.

Question 16

List some involuntary permanent reflexes present at birth

Answer 16

Breathing reflex

Eye blink reflex

Pupillary reflex

Swallowing reflex

Question 17

What is the rooting reflex?

Answer 17

It is an infant reflex only -absense can indicate something is wrong.

When stroking a babies cheek, baby moves mouth towards the cheek.

Question 18

What is the Moro reflex?

Answer 18

Present only in infants.

Sudden startle causes babies arms to throw outwards.

Disappears around 6 months

Question 19

What is the gallant reflex?

Answer 19

Present only in infants.

When babies skin is stroked on one side of back, baby turns back towards that side.

Question 20

What is the palmer reflex?

Answer 20

Present only in infants.

Baby closes hands around any object in palm.

Question 21

What is the stepping reflex?

Answer 21

Present only in infants.

When baby is held upright, baby does a walking motion.

Question 22

What is the Glasgow coma scale and when is it used?

Answer 22

The Glasgow coma scale is used to assess the severity of brain injury and prognosis.

It has 3 components. EYE, VERVAL, MOTOR

The glasgow coma scale provides a score in the range of 3-15; patients with scores of 3-8 are usually said to be in a coma.