NEUROLOGICAL ASSESSMENT: ASSESSING REFLEXES

Course overview

A brief assessment of reflexes is performed as a part of the neurological assessment during a routine head-to-toe physical examination, while a more comprehensive focused assessment of neurological reflexes involves screening for the presence of primitive reflexes (e.g., rooting reflex, sucking reflex, Moro reflex, stepping reflex, tonic neck reflex, palmar grasp reflex, plantar reflex) and thorough evaluation of the deep tendon, superficial, and brain stem reflexes. A focused assessment can help confirm whether or not an alteration in reflexes is caused by neurological impairment; the focused assessment is appropriate for patients with a recent diagnosis or known history of neurological deficits, and/or for patients who have abnormal findings during the brief assessment of neurological reflexes. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of assessing reflexes as part of a neurological assessment in order to screen for neurological impairment in patients. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.