Abdominal Reflex: Questioning Results

[ellezNaniWanda]

Hi, i have a question..... Did your neurologist checked the abdominal reflex when you did the clinical examination?My neuro checked all my reflexes and said everything looked good .. But when I looked at my file it says that I have no abdominal reflex, what does it mean? she diden't say a Word about it when i was there. I don't want to google it because i'm afraid of what I should find.any suggestions?//Chapp

 

[TwitchyMD]

Normally, this reflex is present in young people but there are exceptions:1) Women who gave birth multiple times2) Obese patients3) Patients with surgery done it that area4) Patients with weak abdominal wall (this is my case, I have bad body posture from sitting and leaning forward so my abdominal wall is quite lax).Pathologically, absence of abdominal reflexes is a sign of upper motor neuron lesion. But sometimes it is quite tricky to elicit these even for a good neurologist.Do not worry - your exam was good so even if you have really these absent, it will not have to mean anything. Rarely, this reflex can be absent altogether with cremaster reflex (in men).

 

[ellezNaniWanda]

with upper motor neuron lesion, what does that mean? MS or something worse?//CHapp

 

[TwitchyMD]

It is something you do not have to worry about because it would manifest with other upper motor neuron signs. You are ok.