REFLEX: A Reflex is an involuntary and
instantaneous movement in response to a stimulus.
- A reflex is made possible by Neural pathways called
"REFLEX ARCS" Which can act on impulse before that
impulse reaches the brain.
GRADING OF REFLEXES:
GRADE |
DESCRIPTION |
0 |
Absent |
1+ or + |
Hypoactive/Diminished |
2+ or ++ |
Normal |
3+ or +++ |
Hyperactive without
clonus/Exaggerated |
4+ or ++++ |
Hyperactive with Clonus |
AREFLEXIA: In this the reflexes are completely
absent
HYPER REFLEXIA: In this the reflexes are above
normal i.e. exaggareted
- It is caused due to Upper Motor Lesion where the damage is
above the level of alpha motor neurons i.e, in higher centers
HYPOREFLEXIA: In this the reflexes are below
normal i.e, diminished
- It is caused due to Lower Motor Lesion where the damage at the
level of Alpha Motor neurons from spinal cord and brain stem to
Muscle
- CAUSES:
- Spinal shock due to Transection of Spinal Cord
- Hypothyroidism
- Electrolyte Imbalance like Excess of Magnesium
- Drug Induced eg: Benzodiazepine intoxication
- Diseases like Amylotrophic Lateral Sclerosis(ALS),
Guillian-Barre Syndrome(GBS),Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating
Polyneuropathy(CIDP),Lambert-Eaton myasthenic Syndrome...