What causes reflexes to be overactive?
What causes reflexes to be overactive?
Brisk reflexes may develop when neurons deteriorate. These neurons are also known as the upper motor nerve cells. Other causes of brisk reflexes are associated with neurological conditions, including: Hyperthyroidism: This condition can cause too much thyroid hormone to be released in your body.
How can reflex testing be diagnosed?
Reflex tests are performed as part of a neurological exam, either a “mini-exam” done to quickly confirm integrity of the spinal cord, or a more complete exam performed to diagnose the presence and location of spinal cord injury or neuromuscular disease.
Is hyperreflexia a neurological disorder?
Hyperreflexia also has many other causes, including the side effects of drugs and stimulants; hyperthyroidism; electrolyte imbalance; serotonin syndrome; severe brain trauma; multiple sclerosis; Reye syndrome; and preeclampsia….
| Hyperreflexia | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Hyper-reflexia |
| Specialty | Neurology |
Is hyperreflexia serious?
It’s sometimes called hyperreflexia. More than half of people with a spinal cord injury in the upper back get it. Autonomic dysreflexia is an emergency and needs immediate medical attention. It can be life-threatening.
What are overactive reflexes?
Hyperreflexia is overactive or overresponsive bodily reflexes. Examples of this include twitching and spastic tendencies, which indicate upper disease of the upper motor neurons and the lessening or loss of control ordinarily exerted by higher brain centers of lower neural pathways (disinhibition).
What is Hyperreflexia?
Hyperreflexia indicates an upper motor neuron lesion, and reflects a loss of inhibitory modulation of the motor pathways. It is often associated with increased muscle tone (spasticity).
Is hyperreflexia a symptom of MS?
Problems with muscle control are common in people with multiple sclerosis. Affected individuals may have tremors, muscle stiffness (spasticity), exaggerated reflexes (hyperreflexia), weakness or partial paralysis of the muscles of the limbs, difficulty walking, or poor bladder control.