Ankle clonus must be present to rate a reflex as which grade?

Study for the Parkinson’s Disease Exam. Engage with detailed flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Ankle clonus must be present to rate a reflex as which grade?

Explanation:
The reflex grading system uses a scale where 4+ denotes a hyperactive reflex that includes clonus. Ankle clonus—the rhythmic contractions that follow rapid dorsiflexion—must be present to assign the highest grade. Without clonus, a brisk reflex would be graded as 3+. So the presence of ankle clonus pushes the reflex grade to 4+. This pattern reflects upper motor neuron involvement and pathologic hyperreflexia.

The reflex grading system uses a scale where 4+ denotes a hyperactive reflex that includes clonus. Ankle clonus—the rhythmic contractions that follow rapid dorsiflexion—must be present to assign the highest grade. Without clonus, a brisk reflex would be graded as 3+. So the presence of ankle clonus pushes the reflex grade to 4+. This pattern reflects upper motor neuron involvement and pathologic hyperreflexia.

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