What causes loss of Achilles reflex?
What causes loss of Achilles reflex?
[2] Physiologic derangements caused by diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, uremia, vitamin or electrolyte deficiencies, and toxins such as lead or arsenic can commonly present with hyporeflexia. Diminished or absent Achilles tendon reflex is commonly seen in patients with hypothyroidism or diabetes mellitus.
What is a normal response for the Achilles reflex?
The Achilles reflex is a monosynaptic stretch reflex similar to the patellar reflex. In the Achilles reflex, the hammer taps the Achilles tendon while the foot is dorsiflexed, and the foot, in response, should jerk toward the plantar surface. The Achilles reflex originates in the S1 and S2 nerve roots.
What causes decreased deep tendon reflexes?
Peripheral neuropathy is today the most common cause of absent reflexes. The causes include diseases such as diabetes, alcoholism, amyloidosis, uremia; vitamin deficiencies such as pellagra, beriberi, pernicious anemia; remote cancer; toxins including lead, arsenic, isoniazid, vincristine, diphenylhydantoin.
What is the body’s response to the ankle jerk reflex?
What is the body’s response to the ankle jerk reflex? Slightly externally rotate at the hip and gently dorsiflex the foot, tapping the Achilles tendon with a reflex hammer; there should be a reflex contraction of the gastrocnemius muscle (plantar flexion).
What does it mean when you have no reflex in your leg?
When reflex responses are absent this could be a clue that the spinal cord, nerve root, peripheral nerve, or muscle has been damaged. When reflex response is abnormal, it may be due to the disruption of the sensory (feeling) or motor (movement) nerves or both.
What happens if you have no ankle reflex?
If your doctor taps on a tendon and there isn’t a reflexive movement in the muscle, it’s a sign of a health issue. Usually, absent reflexes are caused by an issue with the nerves in the tendon and muscle. You may have other muscle symptoms along with areflexia, like weakness, twitching, or atrophy.
Why is the Achilles reflex important for walking?
In particular, the Achilles tendon is a long tendon that is important for storing and releasing elastic energy during walking, and as such, plays an important role in metabolic energy saving, as it actually “spares” the muscle from performing a large part of the work (3).
What stimulates tendon reflexes?
Sensory and motor pathways Tendon reflexes are elicited by striking a tendon with a patellar hammer. This stretches the muscle and triggers a volley of afferent impulses from its muscle spindles.
What happens in Achilles reflex?
The ankle jerk reflex, also known as the Achilles reflex, occurs when the Achilles tendon is tapped while the foot is dorsiflexed. A positive result would be the jerking of the foot towards its plantar surface. Being a deep tendon reflex, it is monosynaptic. It is also a stretch reflex.
What is the purpose of the Achilles reflex?
The ankle jerk reflex, also known as the Achilles reflex, occurs when the Achilles tendon is tapped while the foot is dorsiflexed. It is a type of stretch reflex that tests the function of the gastrocnemius muscle and the nerve that supplies it.
Is it normal to have no reflexes?
What causes the Achilles reflex to be absent?
The Achilles reflex checks if the S1 and S2 nerve roots are intact and could be indicative of sciatic nerve pathology. It is classically delayed in hypothyroidism. This reflex is usually absent in disk herniations at the L5—S1 level. A reduction in the ankle jerk reflex may also be indicative of peripheral neuropathy.
What are the most common problems with the Achilles tendon?
Problems with the Achilles are some of the most common conditions seen by sports medicine doctors. Chronic, long-lasting Achilles tendon disorders can range from overuse injuries to tearing of the tendon.
Is it possible to recover from Achilles tendon degeneration?
The structural changes that occur in the tendon due to degeneration are largely irreversible, but the symptoms may resolve and thus the athlete may be able to return to play. However, symptoms sometimes recur after activities are resumed.
What causes a delay in the ankle jerk reflex?
It is classically delayed in hypothyroidism. This reflex is usually absent in disk herniations at the L 5—S 1 level. A reduction in the ankle jerk reflex may also be indicative of peripheral neuropathy.