Lists of Reflexes You Need to Know

Lists of Reflexes You Need to Know

Health Articles   January 08, 2017

Lists of Reflexes

Accommodation Reflex

The accommodation reflex is a reflex action of the eye, in response to focusing on a near object, then looking at distant object (and vice versa), comprising coordinated changes in vergence, lens shape and pupil size (accommodation). It is dependent on cranial nerve II (afferent limb of reflex), superior centers (interneuron) and cranial nerve III (efferent limb of reflex).

Acoustic Reflex

The acoustic reflex is an involuntary muscle contraction that occurs in the middle ear in response to high-intensity sound stimuli or when the person starts to vocalize.


Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex

The asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR) is a primitive reflex found in newborn humans, but normally vanishes around three months of age.
It is also known as the "fencing reflex" because of the characteristic position of the infant's arms and head, which resembles that of a classically trained fencer. When the face is turned to one side, the arm and leg on the side to which the face is turned extend and the arm and leg on the opposite side flex.


Ankle Jerk Reflex

The ankle jerk reflex occurs when the Achilles tendon is tapped while the foot is dorsi-flexed. A positive result would be the jerking of the foot towards its plantar surface. Being a deep tendon reflex, it is monosynaptic. It is also a stretch reflex. These are monosynaptic spinal segmental reflexes. When they are intact, integrity of the following is confirmed: cutaneous innervation, motor supply, and cortical input to the corresponding spinal segment.


Babinski Reflex

Babinski reflex is one of the normal reflexes in infants. Reflexes are responses that occur when the body receives a certain stimulus. The Babinski reflex occurs after the sole of the foot has been firmly stroked. The big toe then moves upward or toward the top surface of the foot. The other toes fan out. This reflex is normal in children up to 2 years old. It disappears as the child gets older. It may disappear as early as 12 months.


Biceps Reflex

Biceps reflex is a reflex test that examines the function of the C5 reflex arc and the C6 reflex arc. The test is performed by using a tendon hammer to quickly depress the biceps brachii tendon as it passes through the cubital fossa. Specifically, the test activates the stretch receptors inside the biceps brachii muscle which communicates mainly with the C5 spinal nerve and partially with the C6 spinal nerve to induce a reflex contraction of the biceps muscle and jerk of the forearm.


Brachioradialis Reflex

The brachioradialis reflex (also known as supinator reflex)is observed during a neurological exam by striking the brachioradialis tendon (at its insertion at the base of the wrist into the radial styloid process (radial side of wrist around 4 inches proximal to base of thumb)) directly with a reflex hammer when the patient's arm is relaxing. This reflex is carried by the radial nerve (spinal level: C6,C7)


Corneal Reflex

The corneal reflex, also known as the blink reflex, is an involuntary blinking of the eyelids elicited by stimulation of the cornea (such as by touching or by a foreign body), though could result from any peripheral stimulus.


Glabellar Reflex

Glabellar reflex is a primitive reflex. It is elicited by repetitive tapping on the forehead. Subjects blink in response to the first several taps. If the blinking persists, this is known as Myerson's sign and is abnormal and a sign of frontal release; it is often seen in people who have Parkinson's disease.


Golgi Tendon Reflex

The Golgi tendon reflex is a normal component of the reflex arc of the peripheral nervous system. In a Golgi tendon reflex, skeletal muscle contraction causes the agonist muscle to simultaneously lengthen and relax.


Jaw Jerk Reflex

The jaw jerk reflex or the masseter reflex is a stretch reflex used to test the status of a patient's trigeminal nerve (CN V) and to help distinguish an upper cervical cord compression from lesions that are above the foramen magnum.


Moro Reflex

The Moro reflex is an infantile reflex normally present in all infants/newborns up to 3 or 4 months of age as a response to a sudden loss of support, when the infant feels as if it is falling. It involves three distinct components; spreading out the arms (abduction), unspreading the arms (adduction), crying (usually).
The primary significance of the Moro reflex is in evaluating integration of the central nervous system. It is distinct from the startle reflex,[1] and is believed to be the only unlearned fear in human newborns.


Palmar Grasp Reflex

Palmar grasp reflex (sometimes simply called grasp reflex) is a primitive reflex. It appears as early as 16 weeks in utero and persists until five or six months of age. When an object is placed in the infant's hand and strokes their palm, the fingers will close and they will grasp it with a palmar grasp. The grip is strong but unpredictable; though it may be able to support the child's weight, they may also release their grip suddenly and without warning. The reverse motion can be induced by stroking the back or side of the hand.


Patellar Reflex

The patellar reflex or knee-jerk is a stretch reflex which tests the L2, L3, and L4 segments of the spinal cord.

Plantar Reflex

The plantar reflex is a reflex elicited when the sole of the foot is stimulated with a blunt instrument. The reflex can take one of two forms.


Pupillary Light Reflex

The pupillary light reflex (PLR) or photopupillary reflex is a reflex that controls the diameter of the pupil, in response to the intensity (luminance) of light that falls on the retinal ganglion cells of the retina in the back of the eye, thereby assisting in adaptation to various levels of lightness/darkness.


Rooting Reflex

The rooting reflex is present at birth(age of appearance 28weeks) and disappears around four months of age, as it gradually comes under voluntary control. The rooting reflex assists in the act of breastfeeding.


Righting Reflex

The righting reflex is a reflex that corrects the orientation of the body when it is taken out of its normal upright position.


Triceps Reflex

The triceps reflex, a deep tendon reflex, is a reflex as it elicits involuntary contraction of the triceps brachii muscle. It is initiated by the Cervical (of the neck region) spinal nerve 7 nerve root (the small segment of the nerve that emerges from the spinal cord). The reflex is tested as part of the neurological examination to assess the sensory and motor pathways within the C7 and C8 spinal nerves.


Source : wikipedia

Erythrasma - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

Erythrasma - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

Health Articles   November 06, 2015

Erythrasma

DEFINITION

Erythrasma is an infection of the top layers of the skin caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium minutissimum.


CAUSE

Bacterium Corynebacterium minutissimum. Erythrasma common in adults and diabetics; The most commonly found in the tropics.


SYMPTOMS

Often found in areas where skin contact with the skin, such as under the breasts and armpits, between the toes and the genital area (especially in men, where the thighs touch the scrotum). Infection causes the formation of patches of pink with irregular shapes, which will then be transformed into smooth scales brown.

In some patients, the infection spreads to the torso and anal area. Could itching that are mild.


PREVENTION

Some actions can be done to reduce the risk of Erythrasma:

• Maintain cleanliness of the body.
• Keep skin dry.
• Using clean clothes with materials that absorb sweat.
• Avoiding excessive heat or moisture.

Definition, Causes and Symptoms of Septic Shock

Definition, Causes and Symptoms of Septic Shock

Septic Shock   November 04, 2015

Septic Shock

DEFINITIONS

Septic shock is a condition in which blood pressure drops to levels that endanger lives as a result of sepsis.

Septic shock often occur in:

• newborn baby,
• age above 50 years, and
• people with immune system disorders.

CAUSES

Septic shock caused by toxins produced by certain bacteria and due to cytokines (substances made by the immune system to fight an infection). Toxins released by the bacteria can cause tissue damage and circulatory disorders.

Risk factors for septic shock:

• Chronic diseases (diabetes, blood cancer, genital-urinary tract, liver, gall bladder, intestine).
• Infection.
• Long-term use of antibiotics.
• Medical procedures or surgery.

SYMPTOMS

Early signs of septic shock is often a decrease in mental alertness and confusion that arise within 24 hours or more before the blood pressure falls. This phenomenon is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. Outpouring of blood from the heart is indeed increased, but the blood vessels widen so blood pressure goes down. Breathing becomes fast so that the lungs secrete excessive levels of carbon dioxide in the blood decreases.

Early symptoms include shivering, body temperature rises very fast, warm and reddish skin, weak pulse and blood pressure fluctuated. Decreased urine production despite increased flow of blood from the heart. In later stages, the body temperature often drops to below normal.

When the shock worsens, several organs fail:

• Kidneys: urine production is reduced.
• Lungs: respiratory distress and decreased oxygen levels in the blood.
• Heart: fluid retention and swelling.

May develop blood clots in the blood vessels.

Do You Know The Common Symptoms of Sinusitis ?

Do You Know The Common Symptoms of Sinusitis ?

Sinusitis   October 12, 2015

If you are having difficulty breathing, nasal congestion, pain in the eye or forehead, face like feel full, even on your teeth ache. You'd better be careful. You can be exposed to sinusitis. Those are some common symptoms of sinusitis. Do you know what exactly is sinusitis?

Sinusitis can be described as an inflammation of the sinus area. Sinus itself an air space that is located in the area of the face and connect directly with your nose.

Well, due to the inflammation of the sinus area are stockpiling the lenders in the sinus area. This resulted in the growth of bacteria. Well, but to diagnose sinusitis a person is infected with is not easy.

This is due to sinusitis symptoms similar to flu symptoms. A child whose flu for more than ten days is suspect that the child has been exposed to sinusitis.

Well, that's why on this occasion will discuss these concerns sinusitis symptoms. And expected you able to cope.

1. Nose colds
At first the disease begins with cold sinusitis. It is caused by inflammation triggered by colds, irritation or allergy attack that is common in sinusitis.

2. Pressure around the teeth and face
Basically sinusitis patients who are already infected will experience symptoms much. Usually a patient will experience nasal congestion even sick or feel excessive pressure in the area around the teeth and face. Excessive pressure on the teeth and facial area is a major sign that signifies that a person infected sinusitis. The pressure caused by the already inflamed tissue in the wall of nerve endings in your sinuses.

If you feel pain in the forehead area or even hurt your head then this is caused by frontal sinusitis which is located in the upper area of the forehead or eyes. If you feel pain in the cheek area and then spread to an area of the upper teeth, then this is caused by maxillary sinusitis located in both your cheekbones.

However, if you feel pain in your eye area, then this is caused by ethmoid sinusitis that lies between your eyes. Whereas if the pain in the crown of the head, behind the eyes or even along your neck, then this is a result of the sphenoid sinusitis which is located below the brain and behind your nose.

3. Nasal mucus
Symptoms of sinusitis worse still is the patient's nose will discharge that is green, yellow, or clear it. Other symptoms experienced by the patient is feeling excessive fatigue.

4. Decreased sense of smell and taste
In addition to the symptoms of sinusitis above, there are also symptoms of a reduction in your sense of smell. Due to the swelling of the lining of the nose will inhibit many kinds of smells that you can breathe.

So make your olfactory receptors will gradually experience a reduction. It turns out in addition to the reduction of sense of smell, your taste buds power will also decrease.

5. Cough and breath odor
Other common symptoms of sinusitis are experienced by patients is that bad breath and coughing. Bad breath caused by mucus that had been infected. This mucus containing bacteria so that if the exit going to stink.

If cough, this occurs because the mucus that can touch your vocal cords so will cause you to cough. Some symptoms of sinusitis should be considered because of the help that is ignored or overlooked (untreated), will make the germ of a sinusitis infection spread to the bone around the affected sinus cavity, eye, receptor (brain), and even the lungs.

Symptoms of Anemia That Can Facilitate You To Know

Symptoms of Anemia That Can Facilitate You To Know

Symptoms of Anemia That Can Facilitate You To Know   October 12, 2015

Anemia is a condition where the body is deficient in red blood cells or hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying protein). Hemoglobin is an important element that should be normal so that oxygen is successfully distributed to all tissues of the body through the lungs.

Someone said anemia when the concentration of hemoglobin (Hb) less than 13.5 g / dL or hematocrit (HCT) is less than 41% in men, and hemoglobin concentration of less than 11.5 g / dL or Hct is less than 36% in women.

Anemia makes the process of circulating red blood cells to be disrupted, so that the body is deprived of oxygen which is then processed into energy. From here already clear that the initial symptoms of anemia can be often feel tired, tongue and eyelids pale.

Anemia is also associated with less blood condition. Here is a series of symptoms of anemia that can facilitate you to know anemic from sources Activebeat.

1. Fatigue and lack of energy
Fatigue is a common symptom of anemia that all patients must have experienced it. Some types of anemia, such as iron deficiency or vitamin B-12, may cause long-term excessive fatigue due to low hemoglobin levels.

2. Headaches and shortness of breath
Anemia makes patients feel tired often excessive, although it is not currently doing any strenuous activity. Moreover, it is not uncommon patient complained of headaches and shortness of breath. Such as when getting up suddenly from sitting, the head feels dizzy and the room seemed to move round. The condition indicates severe anemia caused by multiple organ finds no sufficient blood and oxygen. If there is a long term concern of the body ischemia, ie, the death of some tissues or cells.

3. Damage to some organs, such as brain and heart
Some parts of the body requires oxygen carried by hemoglobin so that its performance remains stable. Therefore, anemia interfere with the delivery process, the cardiovascular system disorders. Lack of oxygen-carrying blood not only result in extreme fatigue, but rather lead to damage some organs, such as brain and heart.

4. Leg cramps
Other common symptoms of anemia are leg cramps. In the mild anemia, leg cramps only occur once or moderate physical activity, such as walking, running, and long standing. Whereas in patients with severe anemia, leg cramps can occur even during rest. Will clearly called anemia when accompanied by muscle weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath.

5. Skin pale
Skin look pale, an indication of anemia. This is a direct effect of the decrease in the amount of hemoglobin against the skin. Too pale fingertips, you can find out by pressing the tip of a finger and see the change to white or pale. While the body is yellowish skin.

6. Difficulty concentrating
Hemoglobin inability to circulate oxygen also affects the brain's ability to concentrate. This is compounded by unmet needs essential nutrients for the brain such as vitamins and minerals (folic acid, iron, and vitamin B12).

7. Irregular heartbeat
In the medical world this condition is called palpitations, the heart rate is not stable. Palpitations can occur when the heart is deprived of oxygen.

8. Insomnia
Sleep disorders, such as anxiety are also considered as a symptom of anemia after research conducted in 2008 in Ireland involving children and adolescents. Iron deficiency in some people cause insomnia, legs often move because feel uneasy or restless leg syndrome called.


Immediately consult a doctor when the body starts showing some symptoms of anemia above, especially for pale skin that must be addressed by a doctor.

Causes, Prevention, Signs and Symptoms of Gout

Causes, Prevention, Signs and Symptoms of Gout

Health Articles   October 04, 2015

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. Uric acid is a breakdown product of purines that are part of the food we eat. Abnormality in handling uric acid and crystallization of these compounds in the joints can cause attacks of painful arthritis, kidney stones, and blockage of the filtering process of the renal tubules with uric acid crystals, leading to kidney failure.

Acute gout attack is characterized by rapid onset / sudden pain in the affected joint followed by a warm feeling on touching the joints, swelling, redness, and pain. Small joints at the base of the big toe is the most commonly attacked. Other joints that can be affected include the ankles, knees, wrists, fingers, and elbows. In some people, the pain suddenly / acute so strong that even the sheets at the foot of causing severe pain. Painful attacks usually subside within a few hours or days, with or without medication. In rare cases, attacks can last for weeks. Most people with gout will experience repeated attacks of gout arthritis for many years.

Gout is nine times more common in men than in women. It mainly affects males after puberty, with a peak age of 75 years of age. In women, gout attacks usually occur after menopause.

Obesity, excessive weight, especially in youth, drinking moderate to severe, high blood pressure, and abnormal kidney function is one of the risk factors for developing gout. Drugs and certain diseases can also cause an increase in uric acid levels. Interestingly, a recent study showed an increased prevalence of abnormally low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism) in patients with gout.

The base of the big toe joint is the most common site of an acute Gout attacks. These attacks can occur, except gout treated. See your doctor, even if you are sick rheumatism / gout has been lost. Over time, they can harm the joints, tendons, and other tissues.

Uric acid crystals in the finger joints and stiffness which result in painful inflammation.

People may experience gout by deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints of their fingers. To reduce the pain of a gout attack, rest the painful joints.

Maintain adequate fluid intake helps prevent acute gout attacks and reduce the risk of kidney stone formation in people having gout. Alcohol is known to have diuretic effects that can cause water shortages and triggered an acute gout attack. Alcohol can also affect uric acid metabolism and cause hyperuricemia. This causes gout, therefore slowing spending uric acid from the kidneys as well as to cause shortage of liquid, which causes uric acid crystals to precipitate in the joints.

Dietary changes can help reduce uric acid levels in the blood. Because purine chemicals are converted by the body into uric acid, purine rich foods should be avoided. Foods rich in purines include shellfish and organ meats, such as liver, brain, and kidneys. Researchers have reported that meat or seafood consumption increases the risk of gout attacks, while dairy consumption seems to reduce this risk. Weight loss can help in lowering the risk of recurrent gout attacks.


Reference:

MedicineNet.com WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise: "Gout - Topic Overview."

Acute Bronchitis - Definition, Etiology, Risk Factors, Signs and Symptoms

Acute Bronchitis - Definition, Etiology, Risk Factors, Signs and Symptoms

Health Articles   October 04, 2015

Definition of Acute Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is an acute respiratory tract infection disease (inflammation of the bronchi) that usually occurs in infants and children are usually also accompanied by tracheitis (Ngastiyah; 1997; 36).

Etiology

• Acute bronchitis is usually often caused by viruses such as Rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, and coxsackie virus. Acute bronchitis can also be found in children who are suffering from measles (morbilli), pertussis and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections.
• Another cause of acute bronchitis may also by bacteria (staphylococcus, streptococcus, pneumococcus, haemophilus influenzae). Bronchitis can also be caused by a parasite such as ascariasis and fungi.
• Causes of non-infectious is due to aspiration of the physical or chemical materials. Predisposing factors occurrence of acute bronchitis is a change in weather, allergies, air pollution and chronic upper respiratory tract infections predispose to bronchitis.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase the risk of bronchitis include:

• Cigarette smoke. People who smoke or who live with smokers are at higher risk for symptoms of acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis.
• Low resistance. This is usually the result of other acute illness, such as a cold or a chronic condition that compromise the immune system. Adults, infants and children have a greater susceptibility to infection.
• Exposure to irritants on the job. Bronchitis disease risk is greater when working around the place that may be exposed to lung irritants, such as iron ore or textiles and exposed to chemical vapors.

Signs and Symptoms of Bronchitis

Both symptoms of acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis, signs and symptoms may include:

• Cough.
• Production of mucus (sputum), which can be clear, white, gray or yellowish green.
• Fatigue.
• Slight fever and chills.
• Discomfort in the chest.

Reference :

• (Ngastiyah; 1997; P 36, 37).
• (Purnawan Junadi; 1982; 206).

Causes and Common Symptoms of Gastritis in Children

Causes and Common Symptoms of Gastritis in Children

Pediatric Nursing   October 01, 2015

Gastritis is an erosion in the lining of the stomach, where this process can occur suddenly, called acute gastritis or slow and takes a long time (chronic gastritis). In addition to erosion of the stomach lining, inflammation or irritation can also cause gastritis.

Gastritis can strike from children to adults, where if it is not in the intensive treatment, it can cause a variety of diseases of the stomach.

Many things can cause gastritis, one of the main factors is an infection of the microorganism Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori). Rising back bile into the digestive system can also cause gastritis. Or patients 'Pernicious anemia' in which a person can not digest vitamin B12 can also trigger gastritis.

Another cause could be a precipitating factor gastritis are undergoing treatment for a long time such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or people with HIV-AIDS.


Here are the common symptoms of gastritis in children:

• Stomach feels uncomfortable.
• Pain in the abdomen either before or after meals.
• Flavor full or satiated.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Indigestion after eating food.
• Loss of appetite.
• Insomnia.
• Uninterrupted night's sleep suddenly, due to abdominal pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Frequent hiccups.
• Feces when defecation is black.