Answer
The clinician can derive important diagnostic clues by testing somatic reflexes:
1, Information can be obtained about the integrity of reflex pathways.
2. Degree of excitability of the spinal cord can be determined
3. Information regarding peripheral nerve damage and ventral horn injury can be derived
4. Chronic diseases like neurosyphilis and diabete mellitus maybe indicated by hypoactive
spinal reflexes.
Work Step by Step
Hyperactive spinal reflexes may be indications of lesions of the corticospinal tracts with consequent decrease central inhibition .
The Babinski effect (sign) is an abnormal plantar effect. When this occurs in an older child or adult, it may be indicative of loss of spinal cord integrity between L4 and S2. It may also be caused
by CNS injury due to meningitis, multiple sclerosis, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
