From the Research
Brisk reflexes are a significant indicator of an upper motor neuron problem, suggesting reduced inhibition from the brain to the spinal cord, and may be associated with various conditions, including stroke, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury, as noted in studies such as 1 and 2. When a doctor taps specific tendons with a reflex hammer, such as the knee or ankle, and observes a quicker or more pronounced muscle contraction than normal, this is considered a brisk reflex.
Key Points to Consider
- Brisk reflexes can appear in various conditions, including:
- Stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spinal cord injury
- Certain vitamin deficiencies like B12 deficiency
- They may also be seen in anxiety states or as a normal variant in some individuals
- While brisk reflexes alone don't necessarily indicate disease, when accompanied by other neurological symptoms like muscle weakness, coordination problems, or sensory changes, they warrant further medical evaluation
- A neurologist typically assesses the pattern and distribution of reflex changes to determine their clinical significance, as discussed in 3 and 4
Clinical Significance
The presence of brisk reflexes is a crucial finding that requires careful consideration of the patient's overall clinical presentation.
- It is essential to evaluate the patient's medical history, perform a thorough physical examination, and consider additional diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of the brisk reflexes
- The study 2 highlights the importance of examining brainstem reflexes in patients with hyperekplexia and stiff-man syndrome, which can provide valuable insights into the underlying physiological mechanisms
- In clinical practice, the assessment of brisk reflexes should be integrated with other diagnostic findings to guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes, as emphasized in 1 and 5