Leg Reflex Odd

I am wondering about something. When the doctor did the reflex test on my leg with the hammer my left leg kicked out and came back calmly. It was not uncomfortable.

When she hit my left leg it kicked out as you would expect but then my foot looked like it was going into a jerking spasm or something before it finally dropped back. Boy was I surprised!!

She looked and said OK.

I know I should have asked more questions, but at the point when she was doing an exam I already know what their thoughts were and knew I didn't have to justify why I was there.

I just wanted to hear what was next and get back home.

Would this be considered and over active responce?

I am diagnosed so I know getting an answer is not big deal, but I am just wondering what that was about.  

LA

[biowham]

Sounds like hyperreflexia to me...that extra BOUNCE in the leg. My right leg especially gives a nice extra kick on the way down, and kicks waaaaay up to begin with. Got one neuro who calls that a +2 (i.e., normal) and another who calls it pathological. Aren't neuros fun?

E

[LATW]

Thanks! Do you ever leave the doctor wondering why you just didn't ask!  I am going to ask about this next time I see the doc.

Is hyperreflexia normal?  Is it an MS thing?  

LA

[Quixotic1]

The extra bounce is called "unsustained clonus" and is, by definition pathological.  It indicates a (depending on the scale being used) a 3.5 or 4+ reflex.

Quix

[LATW]

Thank Quix,
That was the one exam all 3 neurologist tested for. The summer my leg seemed to be extra sensitive and would send very uncomfortable sensations up my leg into my body.  This was the first time there was that extra bounce.  Three bounces actually.

LA

[CtResident]

Can a reflex change? For example, during a vertigo incident, my leg winged out so far that on return it smacked against the exam table. Boy we all jumped!

That report has +Hoffmans R side
                        hyperreactive reflex

Upon visiting my pcp and then the neuro, it was noted that my reflexes were normal. I think the neuro noted that they were a 2.

                        

[CtResident]

Didn't finish, hmmm.......

Anyway: +Hoffman R side
              hyperactive reflex (typo above)
              +Babinski R side
              myoclonus
              no nystagmus
              Romberg un-------- something?
              finger to nose------something?

Interesting to see notes on R side issues: it was my LEFT leg that winged out!
              
And two other undecipherables. Have to say that these records were all hand-written, the other dr's at least have their notes transcribed.

My general question is: can a reflex change from being a seemingly major issue during an event (vertigo) and then tada, I'm back to normal after that?

ummm........Hypochondriac alert? :-(

Thanks,
Suzanne

[LATW]

Interesting question because mine clearly changed in the past 6 months. It is my right side affected right now. I do have some very mild syptoms (symptoms) on my left though.

LA