Reflexes Flashcards
(117 cards)
What are the 5 types of reflexes?
1) deep tendon reflexes (DTR)
2) pathological
3) primitive
4) superficial
5) visceral
What is a deep tendon reflex?
-apply a stretch reflex stimulus directly to a tendon
-the reflex is caused by a sudden muscle stretch
The biceps reflex is testing which nerve root?
C5
The brachioradialis reflex is testing which nerve root?
C6
The triceps reflex is testing which nerve root?
C7
The patellar reflex is testing which nerve root?
L4
The achilles reflex is testing which nerve root?
S1
Which reflex is this?
-pt is supine
-muscles can be tapped indirectly through the examiners fingers or directly
-all 4 quadrants of abdomen should be tested
-top upper quadrants near costal margins (insertion)
-tap 2 inches lateral to the umbillicus for the midline
-tap about 2 inches lower than the midline for the lower quadrants or just above the pubic area
-response: contraction of muscles in quadrant being tested
-upper quadrants are at T8/T9
-midline is at T9/T10
-lower quadrants are at T11/T12
abdominal reflex
At what level is the umbilicus?
T10
Which reflex is this?
-patient’s mouth is slightly open
-tap the middle of the chin
-response: sudden closing of the mouth
-cord level: mid pons reflex centers
-CN V is being tested
jaw jerk reflex
Which nerve is being tested with the jaw jerk reflex?
CN V
Which reflex is this?
-patient is supine or prone with the knee flexed to 90 degrees
-examiner curls fingers over medial hamstring tendon and compresses tendon towards the inner area of the popliteal fossa
-tap on the overlying finger
-response: knee flexion
medial hamstring reflex
What cord level is being tested with the medial hamstring reflex?
L5
What nerve innervates the medial hamstring?
sciatic n.
What muscles are involved in the medial hamstring reflex?
medial hamstring/ semimembranosus
What is the reflex grading scale called?
Wexler reflex scale
What does a 0+ on the Wexler reflex scale mean?
no response, abnormal finding, may have LMNL
What does a 1+ on the Wexler reflex scale mean?
trace or decreased response
What does a 2+ on the Wexler reflex scale mean?
normal response
What does a 3+ on the Wexler reflex scale mean?
exaggerated response
What does a 4+ on the Wexler reflex scale mean?
transient clonus (clonus that bounces, then relaxes), may have UMNL
What does a 5+ on the Wexler reflex scale mean?
sustained clonus (clonus that remains, it can be stopped by pressing on the GTO of respective muscle) , may have UMNL
Which reflex grades are always abnormal?
0, 4, and 5+
What is the muscle strength grade scale called?
Van Allyn’s motor scale