The reflex exam is fundamental to the neurological exam and important to locating upper versus lower motor neuron lesions. There are five deep tendon reflexes and a number of superficial and visceral reflexes covered here.

Whether the 1 + and 3 + responses are normal depends on what they were previously, that is, the patient's reflex history; what the other reflexes are; and analysis of associated findings such as muscle tone, muscle strength, or other evidence of disease. Asymmetry of …

Common scale for tendon reflex assessment 0+ No response or absent reflex 1+ Trace or Decreased response 2+ Normal response 3+ Exaggerated or brisk response 4+ Sustained response

Jul 24, 2023 · This article will focus on the “deep tendon reflexes” which are more appropriately named — and will be referred to herein — as muscle stretch reflexes (MSR). MSR grading is based on a clinician’s subjective evaluation of amplitude, with a …

Aug 4, 2020 · What does +3 reflexes mean? 1+ = a slight but definitely present response; may or may not be normal. 2+ = a brisk response; normal. 3+ = a very brisk response; may or may not be normal.

Deep tendon (muscle stretch) reflex testing evaluates afferent nerves, synaptic connections within the spinal cord, motor nerves, and descending motor pathways.

Aug 28, 2023 · Deep tendon reflexes or, more accurately, the 'muscle stretch reflex' can aid in evaluating neurologic disease affecting afferent nerves, spinal cord synaptic connections, motor nerves, and descending motor pathways.

Describe the following reflexes and name all components of each reflex arc: stretch reflex, (Golgi) tendon reflex, flexor (withdrawal) reflex, and crossed-extensor reflex. Reflexes can be spinal or cranial, depending on the nerves and central components that are involved.

The typical deep tendons assessed are the biceps, triceps, brachioradialis, patellar or quadriceps and Achilles tendons bilaterally. Also, cutaneous or superficial reflexes can be assessed and include the plantar reflex, also known as the Babinski sign.

Dec 1, 2024 · upgoing toes, or sustained clonus. Normality of the superficial reflexes, normal lower-extremity tone, and downgoing toes are reassuring evidence of fast normal rather than pathologically quick reflexes. Some use 3+ to indicate the presence of spread or unsustained clonus, with all other normal reflexes, even very fast ones, labeled as 2+.