Triceps reflex

Triceps Reflex is a neurological examination used to assess the sensory and motor pathways within the C7 and C8 spinal nerves. It is a type of deep tendon reflex that is elicited by the sudden stretching of the triceps brachii muscle located in the upper arm.

Procedure

The triceps reflex is tested by striking the triceps tendon directly with a reflex hammer. The patient's arm should be relaxed and slightly flexed at the elbow. The examiner holds the patient's arm with one hand, while the other hand is used to strike the triceps tendon. A normal response is the contraction of the triceps muscle, causing extension of the forearm.

Clinical Significance

The triceps reflex, like other deep tendon reflexes, is used in neurological examinations to assess the integrity of the spinal nerves and the spinal cord. An absent or diminished triceps reflex may indicate a lesion or damage to the C7 or C8 spinal nerves or their pathways. Conversely, an exaggerated triceps reflex may suggest an upper motor neuron lesion.

Related Conditions

• Cervical radiculopathy: This condition, often caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, can affect the nerve roots in the neck, including C7 and C8, leading to abnormal triceps reflex.
• Spinal cord injury: Damage to the spinal cord can disrupt the pathways needed for the triceps reflex.
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): This progressive neurodegenerative disease can affect the upper motor neurons, leading to hyperactive deep tendon reflexes, including the triceps reflex.

See Also

• Biceps reflex
• Brachioradialis reflex
• Patellar reflex
• Achilles reflex

References

Triceps reflex Resources
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