Superficial Reflexes

Question 1

Stroke with a rounded object, quickly and lightly, from each quadrant of the abdomen diagonally toward the umbilicus

Answer 1

Abdominal Reflex

T8-L1

Normal: Contraction of the abdominal muscles and deviation of the umbilicus toward the direction of the stimulus

Question 2

Ask patient to look up and away from you, then stroke cornea with something such as cotton

Answer 2

Corneal “blink” Reflex

CN V an VII

Normal: Both eyes will brink with contact to one eye

Question 3

Scratch skin on the upper medial thigh

Answer 3

Cremasteric Reflex

L1-L2

Normal: A brief elevation of the testicle on the ipsilateral side

Question 4

Gently stimulate each side of the back of the throat

Answer 4

Gag Reflex

CN IX and X

Normal: A gag will occur after the stimulation, (some people may not have it)

Question 5

Stroke lateral aspect of the sole from the heel to ball and medially to base of great toe with the blunt end of a reflex hammer

Answer 5

Plantar Reflex

L5-S1

Normal: Flexion of toes
Babinski reflex is the abnormal response that indicates CNS lesion/ UMN lesion