Relfexes Flashcards
What is a Reflex
an unconscious and automatic response to an internal or external stimulus or sensation.
What does a reflex test?
the integrity of the patient’s reflex arc – an unconscious connection between the afferent nerve fibres of a specific muscle to the spinal cord and back to the muscle through efferent nerve fibres. Information is also passed to the brain & also the antagonists to allow them to relax.
What occurs during a reflex test
We apply a brief stretch to a muscle & the stretch receptors within that muscle respond to this by contracting to return the muscle to its original length.
What is a positive response to a reflex test?
Total absence
Reduced reflex
Increased reflex
Why would a patient present with total absence of reflexes?
mixed spinal nerve you are testing is badly damaged or wholly compromised e.g. something is pushing on that nerve! - likely as it leaves the vertebral foramen
Why would a patient present with reduced reflexes
‘Hypo-reflexia’. The peripheral nerve may be partially compromised.
Why would a patient present with increased reflexes?
upper motor neurone lesion (trauma or damage to the upper motor neurone – the nerve which relays the sensory info in to the CNS and brain through the spinal cord from muscle). THIS IS THE WORST AS THERE IS NO MODULATION FROM THE BRAIN TO DAMPEN DOWN THE REFLEX
What does babinski reflex show?
Toes flare up - indicates UMN legion
What does clonus reflex show?
rebounding of the foot - indicates UMN legion
