What does deep tendon reflexes 2+ 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 reflex test tell you?

If you think you have brisk reflexes you can ask your doctor for a reflex test. This test helps determine how effective your nervous system is by assessing the reaction between your motor pathways and sensory responses. During the test, your doctor may tap your knees, biceps, fingers, and ankles.

Is hyperreflexia serious?

It’s sometimes called hyperreflexia. More than half of people with a spinal cord injury in the upper back get it. Autonomic dysreflexia is an emergency and needs immediate medical attention. It can be life-threatening.

What is positive Babinski?

In adults or children over 2 years old, a positive Babinski sign happens when the big toe bends up and back to the top of the foot and the other toes fan out. This can mean that you may have an underlying nervous system or brain condition that’s causing your reflexes to react abnormally.

What is the purpose of deep tendon reflex testing?

Although the reflex has a sensory and motor component, deep tendon reflex testing primarily assesses the integrity of the motor system. This reflex provides information on upper and lower motor neurons.

How do you check arm DTR?

The biceps reflex is elicited by placing your thumb on the biceps tendon and striking your thumb with the reflex hammer and observing the arm movement. Repeat and compare with the other arm.

What electrolyte imbalance causes decreased deep tendon reflexes?

Hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, and hypomagnesemia resulting from electrolyte loss have manifested as flaccid weakness involving the lower limbs and trunk muscles with diminished deep tendon reflexes. These electrolyte disturbances are also responsible for the ECG findings.

What is abnormal reflex?

Definition. Any anomaly of a reflex, i.e., of an automatic response mediated by the nervous system (a reflex does not need the intervention of conscious thought to occur). [