Areflexia
Areflexia
Areflexia (pronounced: ah-re-flex-ia) is a medical condition characterized by the absence of neurological reflexes such as the knee jerk reaction. It is often a sign of certain neuromuscular disorders.
Etymology
The term "areflexia" is derived from the Greek prefix "a-", meaning "without", and the Latin "reflexus", meaning "bent back". It was first used in medical literature in the late 19th century.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Areflexia is typically diagnosed through a neurological examination where the doctor tests for the presence of reflexes. The absence of these reflexes, in conjunction with other symptoms such as muscle weakness or numbness, may lead to a diagnosis of areflexia.
Causes
Areflexia can be caused by a variety of conditions, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, and certain types of spinal cord injuries. It can also be a side effect of certain medications.
Treatment
Treatment for areflexia typically involves addressing the underlying cause. This may involve medication, physical therapy, or in some cases, surgery.
Related Terms
- Hyporeflexia: A condition characterized by below normal or absent reflexes.
- Neurological reflexes: Automatic, involuntary reactions to specific stimuli.
- Neuromuscular disorders: A group of disorders that affect the nerves that control voluntary muscles.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Areflexia
- Wikipedia's article - Areflexia
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