Clinical Examination of Reflexes

Reflex: 

Definition: is an immediate involuntary motor or visceral response to an afferent sensory impulse

Reflex arc

It is the Anatomical nervous pathway for reflex action
Includes five components
  1. Receptor
  2. Afferent nerve
  3. Centre
  4. Efferent nerve
  5. Effector organ

Clinical Classification of Reflexes

  1. Superficial reflexes
    • Involves skin and mucous membrane
  2. Deep tendon reflexes
    • Involves tendons

Superficial reflexes

Protective reflexes

Stroking or pinching of particular area of skin

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contraction of certain muscles

Conjunctival reflex

Corneal reflex

Abdominal reflex

Scapular reflex

Plantar reflex

Anal reflex

Bulbocavernus reflex

Cremastric reflex

 Cornea Reflex

Cornea is an avascular structure

Any damage to the cornea will cause permanent scar on it

Conjunctival reflex

Approach the patient from the sides and lightly touch the lateral portion of the conjunctiva with a strand of damp cotton wool. Avoid touching the eyelids or eyelashes.

Abdominal reflex

Gently stroke the four quadrants of the abdomen with a blunt object from lateral to medial direction

Scapular reflex

Stroke the skin in the interscapular region 

Preliminary Data:

  • Name:
  • Age:
  • Gender:
  • Occupation:
  • Address:

General Physical Examination:

  • Pallor: Not present
  • Icterus: Not present
  • Cyanosis: Not present
  • Clubbing: Not present
  • Oedema: Not present
  • Lymphadenopathy: Not present

Vital Signs:

  • Pulse:_____ bpm
  • BP: ___/___ mmHg
  • RR: _____ cycles/min.
  • Temp:_____ deg. C

Observation Findings:

1)Superficial Reflexes:


2) Deep Reflexes:

Report:

The Clinical Examination of Reflexes of the subject ________ aged ___ yrs is found to be normal.