1. Reflexes

2. What is a reflex? • An action that is performed without conscious thought as a response to a stimulus.

3. Why check reflexes? • Checking for possible damage within the nervous system. • 3 responses • Hyporeflexia • Hyperreflexia • Normal

4. The 3 Reflex Responses • Hyporeflexia • Absent or decreased movement • Problem peripheral nervous tissue • Trauma, impingement, or entrapment • Hyperreflexia • Increased movement • Lesion in the spine above the level of the reflex • Normal • Normal movement

5. Reflex Locations • Cervical Nerves • Biceps Tendon • Triceps Tendon • Brachioradialis Tendon • Thoracic Nerves • Abdomen • Lumbar Nerves • Patellar Tendon • Sacral nerves • Achilles’ Tendon

6. Babinski’s Reflex • The sole of the foot is firmly stroked • Great toe extension • Other toes fan out • Occurs in children 2 years and younger

7. Video • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7h5o-FJUDRA

8. Biceps Tendon Reflex • Grasp patient’s elbow with one hand, placing your thumb on the biceps tendon • Cradle patient’s forearm with elbow in slight flexion • Using the smaller end of the reflex hammer tap your thumb • You should feel or see a contraction

9. Patellar Tendon Reflex • Position the patient seated with knees off the end of the table • Locate the patellar tendon, just below the patella • Using the larger end of the reflex hammer, tap the tendon • You should see a contraction

10. References • http://www.livestrong.com/article/188330-the-purpose-of-checking-reflexes/