What does +2 deep tendon reflexes mean?

By convention the deep tendon reflexes are graded as follows: 0 = no response; always abnormal. 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.

What does a hypoactive reflex indicate?

Tendon Reflexes Hypoactive or absent reflexes are commonly observed in association with lower motor neuron lesions. However, this is usually due to coexisting involvement of muscle spindle sensory afferent fibers within peripheral nerves or roots (Figure 2).

What are exaggerated reflexes?

Spasticity is stiff or rigid muscles. It may also be called unusual tightness or increased muscle tone. Reflexes (for example, a knee-jerk reflex) are stronger or exaggerated. The condition can interfere with walking, movement, speech, and many other activities of daily living.

What are the 5 deep tendon reflexes?

There are five primary deep tendon reflexes: bicep, brachioradialis, triceps, patellar, and ankle. Each reflex corresponds to a particular root and muscle and will evaluate the integrity of the root and associated nerve. NINDS grading of DTR ranges from 0 to 4.

What do reflexes indicate?

A reflex is an involuntary (say: in-VAHL-un-ter-ee), or automatic, action that your body does in response to something — without you even having to think about it. You don’t decide to kick your leg, it just kicks. There are many types of reflexes and every healthy person has them.

What causes exaggerated reflexes?

brain injury. cerebral palsy. certain metabolic diseases, such as Krabbe disease. hereditary nerve diseases, like hereditary spastic paraplegia, a group of rare genetic disorders that effect the spinal cord and cause gradual loss of muscle tone and control.

Which reflex is most difficult to test?

Ankle jerks (S1/S2 myotome)—The ankle jerk is the most difficult reflex to elicit, and palpation of the Achilles tendon before striking to ensure the hammer is striking the correct location can be helpful when difficulties in interpretation are encountered (fig 3).

How do you assess neurological reflexes?

Reflexes in the older child and adult. These are usually examined with the use of a reflex hammer. The reflex hammer is used at different points on the body to test numerous reflexes, which are noted by the movement that the hammer causes. Evaluation of the nerves of the brain.

What is a tendon reflex?

The tendon reflex is a short-latency reflex, while the stretch reflex is a long-latency reflex. Within the muscle spindle, the gamma motor neuron cause tightening or relaxing of intrafusal muscle fibers to regulate the sensitivity of the muscle spindle and the reflex’s response. It is mediated by acetylcholine.