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Reflexes. Reflexes. Normal reflexes depend on normal function in the nervous system There are two kinds of reflexes 1. Somatic or Deep reflexes A. stretch reflexes – achilles, patellar tendon reflexes B. withdrawal reflexes 2. Superficial or cutaneous reflexes. Testing reflexes.
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Reflexes • Normal reflexes depend on normal function in the nervous system • There are two kinds of reflexes • 1. Somatic or Deep reflexes • A. stretch reflexes – achilles, patellar tendon reflexes • B. withdrawal reflexes • 2. Superficial or cutaneous reflexes
Testing reflexes • Use the flat end of the reflex hammer! • Use a sharp, quick tap – don’t be a wimp! • Sometimes you can’t observe a reflex – don’t panic, it’s probably you or your “patient” is nervous and not relaxed • An absent reflex could mean a delay or prevention of sensory transmission along a lower motor neuron • But hypothyroidism can also produce this • An overactive reflex can result from disruptions in the upper motor neurons in the spinal cord or brain • Can result from hyperthyroidism
Achilles Reflex • Tests the S1,S2 nerve roots and the sciatic nerve • Have your partner sit on a chair or table so that both feet hang over the edge • Locate the achilles tendon of the right foot and tap it with the reflex hammer • What happens?
Patellar • Tests the L3,L4 nerve roots and the femoral nerve • Have your partner sit on a chair or table sp that both feet hang over the edge • Locate the patellar tendon of the right leg and tap it with the hammer • What happens? • Have your partner count down from 99 to 32 • Tap it again – was the response greater or less? • Repeat this on the left leg?
Biceps Reflex • Tests the C5,C6 nerve roots and the musculocutaneous nerve • Have your partner rest their arm on a table with the palm facing up • Place your thumb on the biceps tendon – have your partner flex their forearm to help find it • Tap your thumbnail with the hammer • What happens?
Triceps reflex • Tests the C7,C8 nerve roots and the radial nerve • Have your partner flex one arm at the elbow and hold their arm • Tap the triceps tendon with the hammer using the pointed end • What happens? • Test each arm
Superficial Reflex – The Babinski reflex • Using the handle of the hammer – stroke the underside of you partner’s foot using an upward motion from heel to toes • What happens?
Ciliospinal • Have one person sit in a chair – observe their pupils • Have another person unexpectedly touch a piece of ice to the back of the neck • What happens?