Page Contents
OVERVIEW
This page is dedicated to covering how one can properly conduct reflex testing in patients. Reflex testing is a routine part of the neurological exam and can provide useful clinical information.
![](http://www.stepwards.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/n-REFLEX-TEST-628x314.jpg)
BASIC PRINCIPLES (DEEP TENDON REFLEXES)
SCALE (DEEP TENDON REFLEXES)
While the grading scale sometimes can be tedious (in reality the most important thing to communicate across is if a patient has clear signs of increased or decreased reflexes), it can help also quantify the patient’s deep tendon reflexes. Here is the scale that is used:
- 0 absent reflexes
- 1+ hypoactive
- 2+ normal
- 3+ hyperactive
- 4+ hyperactive with clonus
- 5+ sustained clonus.
DEEP TENDON REFLEXES
Biceps Reflex (Tests C5/C6):
Brachioradialis Reflex (Tests C6):
Triceps Reflex (Tests C7):
Patellar Reflex (Tests L4):
Achilles Reflex (Tests S1):
OTHER REFLEXES
Plantar Reflex:
Page Updated: 01.10.2017