Test: DTR Brachoradialis relfex

Video Link

Background/Purpose

Procedure

The patient's arm should be supported. Identify the brachioradialis tendon at the wrist. It inserts at the base of the styloid process of the radius, usually about 1 cm lateral to the radial artery. If in doubt, ask the patient to hold the arm as if in a sling, flexed at the elbow and halfway between pronation and supination, and then flex the forearm at the elbow against resistance from you. The brachioradialis and its tendon will then stand out. Place the thumb of the hand supporting the patient's elbow on the biceps tendon while tapping the brachioradialis tendon with the other hand. Observe three potential reflexes as you tap. Brachioradialis reflex: flexion and supination of the forearm. Biceps reflex: flexion of the forearm. You will feel the biceps tendon contract if the biceps reflex is stimulated by the tap on the brachioradialis tendon. Finger jerk: flexion of the fingers. The usual pattern is for only the brachioradialis reflex to be stimulated. But in the presence of a hyperactive biceps or finger jerk reflex, these reflexes may be stimulated also.
Performed: Unilaterally

Dialog

Tap the bracioradialis tendon.

Criteria

• Normal reflex reponse +1-+3.

Measurement

LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail