Reflexes and Coordination Tests Flashcards
Hoffman’s Reflex
Pathological Reflex
Positive if: flexion of the thumb and 1st finger after “flicking” distal end of middle finger
What does a positive Hoffman’s reflex indicate?
UMN lesion or cervical myelopathy
Babinski
Pathological Reflex
Positive if: Over age 2, great toe extends and toes abduct
What does a positive Babinski reflex indicate?
It indicates a central nervous system disorder
Inverted Supinator Sign
Pathological Reflex
Positive if: finger flexion and elbow extension
What does a positive inverted supinator sign indicate?
May indicate spinal cord lesion at C5/C6
Clonus
Pathological Reflex
Positive if: ankle “beats” more than or equal to 3 times
What does clonus indicate?
UMN lesion
Jaw Reflex
Pathological Reflex
Normal: jaw should close slightly or not at all
Positive: an exaggerated closing of the jaw
What would a positive jaw reflex indicate?
Brisk movement could indicate UMN nerve lesion or absent movement with other S/S could indicate trigeminal neuropathy/nerve lesion
Finger escape sign
Pathological Reflex
After 1-2 minutes, the 5th finger will abduct thus “escaping” the other fingers
What would a positive finger escape sign indicate?
Cervical myelopathy
What is a non-pathological C5 reflex?
Biceps (musculocutaneous nerve)
Elbow flexion is a normal reflex
What is a non-pathological C6 reflex?
Brachioradialis (musculocutaneous nerve)
Wrist flexion and elbow flexion are normal
What is a non-pathological C7 reflex?
Triceps (Radial nerve)
Elbow extension is normal
What is a non-pathological L4 reflex?
Patellar/knee jerk reflex
What is a non-pathological S1 reflex?
Achilles/ankle jerk reflex
