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Deep Tendon Reflex: The Tools and Techniques. What Surgical Neurology Residents Should Know

The deep tendon reflex (DTR) is a key component of the neurological examination. However, interpretation of the results is a challenge since there is a lack of knowledge on the important features of reflex responses such as the amount of hammer force, the strength of contraction, duration of the con...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Lin-Wei, Ooi, Xian, Leonard Leong Sang, Shen, Vincent Tee Wei, Chuan, Chee Yong, Halim, Sanihah Abdul, Ghani, Abdul Rahman Izani, Idris, Zamzuri, Abdullah, Jafri Malin
Formato: Online Artículo Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia 2021
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8075597/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33958960
http://dx.doi.org/10.21315/mjms2021.28.2.5
Descripción
Sumario:The deep tendon reflex (DTR) is a key component of the neurological examination. However, interpretation of the results is a challenge since there is a lack of knowledge on the important features of reflex responses such as the amount of hammer force, the strength of contraction, duration of the contraction and relaxation. The tools used to elicit the reflexes also play a role in the quality of the reflex contraction. Furthermore, improper execution techniques during the DTR assessment may alter the findings and cloud the true assessment of the nervous system. Therefore, understanding the basic principles and the key features of DTR allows for better interpretation of the reflex responses. This paper discusses the brief history of reflexes, the development of the reflex hammer, and also the key features of a reflex response encompassing the amplitude of force needed to elicit a reflex response, the velocity of contraction, the strength of contraction, and the duration of contraction and relaxation phases. The final section encloses the techniques of eliciting DTR in the upper extremities, trunk, and lower extremities, and the interpretation of these reflexes.