Tricep reflex
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The tricep reflex is tested as part of the neurological examination to asses the sensory and motor pathways within the C7 & C8 spinal nerves. there are several possible outcomes:
- The reflex is as expected - there are no problems detected
- Absence of a reflex (areflexia): indicates a potential lower motor neurone lesion. If no reflex is elicited then it is essential to try again with reinforcement - in this case the patient is asked to clench his or her teeth just as the reflex hammer strikes.
- Hyper-reflexia (a response far larger than considered normal) response indicates a potential upper motor neurone lesion.
Other medical problems that may cause irregular reflexes include
As with all reflexes, it is important to test both sides together and to test the full set of reflexes.
