Deep Tendon Reflexes Kimberly Victorian, RN, BSN Sheeba Jacob, RN, BSN

Objectives Understand and define deep tendon reflexes Understand and define deep tendon reflexes Distinguish between hyper and hypo-tonic deep tendon reflexes Distinguish between hyper and hypo-tonic deep tendon reflexes Gain a basic knowledge of DTR grading Gain a basic knowledge of DTR grading Understand how to do a DTR examination Understand how to do a DTR examination Identify different DTRs Identify different DTRs Identify different diseases that may manifest by an alteration in DTRs Identify different diseases that may manifest by an alteration in DTRs

Definition Normal process when muscle tendon is tapped briskly Normal process when muscle tendon is tapped briskly Muscle contracts due to a two-neuron reflex arc involving the spinal or brainstem segment that innervates the muscle Muscle contracts due to a two-neuron reflex arc involving the spinal or brainstem segment that innervates the muscle Afferent neuron innervates the muscle or golgi tendon organ associated with the muscles Afferent neuron innervates the muscle or golgi tendon organ associated with the muscles Cerebral cortex and some brainstem nuclei exert influence over the sensory input of muscle spindles Cerebral cortex and some brainstem nuclei exert influence over the sensory input of muscle spindles

Hyper VS Hypo-reflexia Hypo – absent or diminished response to tapping. Disease involving one or more of the components of the two-neuron Hypo – absent or diminished response to tapping. Disease involving one or more of the components of the two-neuron Hyper – hyperactive or repeating (clonic) reflexes. Diseases involving an interuption of corticospinal and other descending pathways that influence the reflex arc due to a suprasegmental lesion Hyper – hyperactive or repeating (clonic) reflexes. Diseases involving an interuption of corticospinal and other descending pathways that influence the reflex arc due to a suprasegmental lesion

Grading Grading based on varied degree of response Grading based on varied degree of response Grade 0 Grade 0 Grade 1+ Grade 1+ Grade 2+ Grade 2+ Grade 3+ Grade 3+ Grade 4+ Grade 4+

Grading Reflex 0: absent reflex 0: absent reflex 1 + : trace, or seen only with reinforcement 1 + : trace, or seen only with reinforcement 2 + : normal 2 + : normal 3 + : brisk 3 + : brisk 4 + : nonsustained clonus (i.e., repetitive vibratory movements) 4 + : nonsustained clonus (i.e., repetitive vibratory movements) 5 + : sustained clonus 5 + : sustained clonus

Examination Examine upper extremity reflexes with upper examination Examine upper extremity reflexes with upper examination Abnormality found or suspected take into account the entire group with focus on the technique of the examination Abnormality found or suspected take into account the entire group with focus on the technique of the examination Assure patient is relaxed Assure patient is relaxed

Method of Eliciting Reflexes Xqa-y3o Xqa-y3o Xqa-y3o Xqa-y3o 8HYEbM 8HYEbM 8HYEbM 8HYEbM &ei=IijsSoWBBpLiq gLskeHLAQ&q=deep+tendon+reflexes&hl =en# &ei=IijsSoWBBpLiq gLskeHLAQ&q=deep+tendon+reflexes&hl =en# &ei=IijsSoWBBpLiq gLskeHLAQ&q=deep+tendon+reflexes&hl =en# &ei=IijsSoWBBpLiq gLskeHLAQ&q=deep+tendon+reflexes&hl =en#

Physical Maturity Infants Infants Children Children Adults Adults

Examples of Reflexes Jaw Jerk Jaw Jerk Biceps reflex Biceps reflex Triceps reflex Triceps reflex Brachioradialis reflex Brachioradialis reflex Finger jerk Finger jerk Knee Jerk Knee Jerk Ankle jerk Ankle jerk

Testing Reflex qmd-xgc&feature=related qmd-xgc&feature=related qmd-xgc&feature=related qmd-xgc&feature=related Npmw9yE&feature=related Npmw9yE&feature=relatedhttp:// Npmw9yE&feature=relatedhttp:// Npmw9yE&feature=related kmDYAR4&feature=related kmDYAR4&feature=relatedhttp:// kmDYAR4&feature=relatedhttp:// kmDYAR4&feature=related

Disease Processes Absent reflex causes: Absent reflex causes: – Peripheral neuropathy –Alcoholism –Vitamin deficiencies –Diabetes

Clonus or Hyper-active reflexes ated Ujxkqs&feature=related vF7M0k&feature=related

Summary Definition Definition Hypo VS Hyper-active reflexes Hypo VS Hyper-active reflexes Grading Grading Examination Examination Examples Examples Diseases Diseases

DTR Test Of the following, what best defines a deep tendon reflex Of the following, what best defines a deep tendon reflex –A. a specific bundle of nerve fibers –B. an unintended muscle spasm –C. a normal process that occurs when the tendon is tapped

Answer 1 C.

DTR Test True or False True or False A hypo-tonic deep tendon reflex is indicated by an absent or diminished response to tapping

Answer True

DTR Test True or False True or False There are 5 grades of Deep tendon reflexes

Answer 3 True

DTR test What portion of the examination is most important to keep in mind? What portion of the examination is most important to keep in mind? A.The maturity of the patient B.Assure patient is relaxed C.Mental cognition of the patient

Answer 4 B.

DTR Test Identify which of the following is not a DTR Identify which of the following is not a DTR A.Ankle jerk B.Jaw jerk C.Finger jerk D.Ear skip

Answer 5 D.

DTR Test True or False True or False Diabetes is associated with absent or hypo-tonic DTRs

Answer 6 True

Resources Walker, K. (1990). Clinical Methods, The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. Retrieved October 20, 2009 from ?book=cm&part=A2361 Walker, K. (1990). Clinical Methods, The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. Retrieved October 20, 2009 from ?book=cm&part=A2361