In general what is important of reflex testing in routine physical examination?

Answer 1

By testing a person's reflexes, doctors are better able to draw conclusions about the patient's nervous system. It is an integral part of learning whether or not the brain is communicating with the rest of the body.

Answer 2

You have multiple reflexes in the body. Most muscle reflexes are tested by stretching a tendon and watching for the reaction. The easiest reflex to test is the patellar reflex. This is tested by letting the legs hang loosely off a table and gently tapping just below the kneecap with a triangular rubber hammer, or even giving a sharp tap with one's finger tips. The reflex will be a kicking motion without thinking about it. Both legs should move about the same and be not too big and not too little. There is also a reflex by scrapping the bottom of the feet, especially in infants called the Babinski reflex. Effects of drugs or head trauma are often seen by looking at reflex pupil contraction from shining light in each eye. ------ Oops, I thought that was "how"... the why is that they can tell one a lot about the brain and spine. Asymmetrical reactions could indicate brain or spin injury or disease. Likewise too much or too little reflex can also be indicative of brain, spine, or nerve disease. As mentioned above, the pupil reflexes can be very indicative of either pressure in the brain or drug influences. I suppose half of the exam is doing what the patient expects. But, if you go to a doctor and ask "am I ok", then a doctor should at least do a rudimentary exam to answer the question. A tremendous amount can be determined with simple, essentially free physical exam tests without expensive tests. And, your brain is the #1 most important part of your body. It never hurts to do a few seconds worth of tests on it.

Answer 3

If the person is not complaining of any weakness, numbness, tremor or other related symptoms then it is extremely unlikely to uncover any useful information. The time would be better spent discussing a good diet and exercise. Of course, if the person is complaining of neurological problems then it may help to figure out what is going on.

Answer 4

Reflex testing is an easy way to determine how the nerve system is performing. And the nerve system, which includes the brain, is important for any activity of a person.

Answer 5

If the spinal cord is damaged, a easly performed reflex test can help pin-point the area (level) of spinal cord injury.