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Triceps reflex



The triceps reflex is tested as part of the neurological examination to asses the sensory and motor pathways within the C7 and C8 spinal nerves. The triceps reflex originates from the triceps brachii muscle, and is initiated by the C7 nerve root.[1]

Contents

Testing

The test is performed by tapping the tendon while the forearm is hanging loose at a right angle to the arm. A sudden contraction of the triceps muscle causes extension of the forearm, and indicates a normal reflex.[2][3]

Test indicators

  • Normal: There are no problems detected.
  • Absence of a reflex (areflexia): If no reflex is elicited then it is essential to try again with reinforcement, with the patient clenching his or her teeth just as the reflex hammer strikes.
  • Hyper-reflexia (a response far larger than considered normal): Indicates a potential upper motor neurone lesion.

Absence of reflex

An absence of reflex can be an indicator of several medical conditions: Myopathy, neuropathy, spondylosis, sensory nerve disease, euritis, potential lower motor neurone lesion, or poliomyelitis.[4]

Other medical problems that may cause irregular reflexes include Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism.

References

  1. ^ General Practice Notebook - UK. Triceps (anatomy) (English). General Practice Notebook - UK. Retrieved on September 18, 2007.
  2. ^ H. K. Walker, W. D. Hall, J. W. Hurst (1990). Clinical Methods: The History, Physical and Laboratory Examinations - The triceps reflex (English). 3rd Edition. Butterworth Publishers. Retrieved on September 18, 2007.
  3. ^ General Practice Notebook - UK. Triceps reflex (English). General Practice Notebook - UK. Retrieved on September 18, 2007.
  4. ^ General Practice Notebook - UK. Absent reflexes (English). General Practice Notebook - UK. Retrieved on September 18, 2007.
 
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Triceps_reflex". A list of authors is available in Wikipedia.
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