Superficial reflexes
1. Big picture
Superficial reflexes are part of the bedside neurological examination. They are important because they help assess the integrity of:
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Cutaneous sensory input
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Spinal segmental reflex arc
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Descending supraspinal control, especially corticospinal/pyramidal pathways
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Motor output to the responding muscle
They are called superficial because the stimulus is applied to the skin or mucosa, not to a tendon. Clinically, they are especially useful because they may disappear in both upper motor neuron (UMN) and lower motor neuron (LMN) lesions.
The exam trap is that deep tendon reflexes increase in UMN lesions, but superficial reflexes usually decrease or disappear.
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