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Deep Tendon Reflexes. Kimberly Victorian, RN, BSN Sheeba Jacob, RN, BSN. Objectives. Understand and define deep tendon reflexes Distinguish between hyper and hypo-tonic deep tendon reflexes Gain a basic knowledge of DTR grading Understand how to do a DTR examination Identify different DTRs
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Deep Tendon Reflexes Kimberly Victorian, RN, BSN Sheeba Jacob, RN, BSN
Objectives • Understand and define deep tendon reflexes • Distinguish between hyper and hypo-tonic deep tendon reflexes • Gain a basic knowledge of DTR grading • Understand how to do a DTR examination • Identify different DTRs • Identify different diseases that may manifest by an alteration in DTRs
Definition Normal process when muscle tendon is tapped briskly Muscle contracts due to a two-neuron reflex arc involving the spinal or brainstem segment that innervates the muscle Afferent neuron innervates the muscle or golgi tendon organ associated with the muscles Cerebral cortex and some brainstem nuclei exert influence over the sensory input of muscle spindles
Hyper VS Hypo-reflexia Hypo – absent or diminished response to tapping. Disease involving one or more of the components of the two-neuron Hyper – hyperactive or repeating (clonic) reflexes. Diseases involving an interuption of corticospinal and other descending pathways that influence the reflex arc due to a suprasegmental lesion
Grading Grading based on varied degree of response Grade 0 Grade 1+ Grade 2+ Grade 3+ Grade 4+
Grading Reflex • 0: absent reflex • 1+: trace, or seen only with reinforcement • 2+: normal • 3+: brisk • 4+: nonsustainedclonus (i.e., repetitive vibratory movements) • 5+: sustained clonus
Examination Examine upper extremity reflexes with upper examination Abnormality found or suspected take into account the entire group with focus on the technique of the examination Assure patient is relaxed
Method of Eliciting Reflexes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGNCXqa-y3o http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvkT08HYEbM http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4041078352780880433&ei=IijsSoWBBpLiqgLskeHLAQ&q=deep+tendon+reflexes&hl=en#
Physical Maturity Infants Children Adults
Examples of Reflexes Jaw Jerk Biceps reflex Triceps reflex Brachioradialis reflex Finger jerk Knee Jerk Ankle jerk
Testing Reflex • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVH9qmd-xgc&feature=related • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXNeNpmw9yE&feature=related • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hOSkmDYAR4&feature=related
Disease Processes • Absent reflex causes: • Peripheral neuropathy • Alcoholism • Vitamin deficiencies • Diabetes
Clonus or Hyper-active reflexes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XWmpBz4BVo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liE9fVMYZPU&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWKTrUjxkqs&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWzsAvF7M0k&feature=related
Summary Definition Hypo VS Hyper-active reflexes Grading Examination Examples Diseases
DTR Test • Of the following, what best defines a deep tendon reflex • A. a specific bundle of nerve fibers • B. an unintended muscle spasm • C. a normal process that occurs when the tendon is tapped
Answer 1 • C.
DTR Test • True or False A hypo-tonic deep tendon reflex is indicated by an absent or diminished response to tapping
Answer • True
DTR Test • True or False There are 5 grades of Deep tendon reflexes
Answer 3 • True
DTR test • What portion of the examination is most important to keep in mind? A. The maturity of the patient B. Assure patient is relaxed C. Mental cognition of the patient
Answer 4 • B.
DTR Test • Identify which of the following is not a DTR A. Ankle jerk B. Jaw jerk C. Finger jerk D. Ear skip
Answer 5 • D.
DTR Test • True or False Diabetes is associated with absent or hypo-tonic DTRs
Answer 6 • True
Resources Walker, K . (1990). Clinical Methods, The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. Retrieved October 20, 2009 from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bookshelf/br.fcgi?book=cm&part=A2361