Reflexes

[Wildcatman]

When my neuro checked my reflexes he said they were "brisk" he did not give me a number, but I am assuming that he meant 3+...He showed me by hitting both knees and shwoing me how I responded.  Are brisk reflexes common?  

thanks

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hi.

You are in safe hands. You need not worry about the fasciculations. I guess they are benign fasciculations, brought on by stress and anxiety.

Internet sure confuses a lot. A good old doctor with his hammer and stethoscope is what we need !!

Regards

[Wildcatman]

I wne to my neuro a fews months ago because I was having wide spread facsics.  I was afraid I had ALS or something.  He did an EMG/NCV along with a basic neuro exam.  He told me that twitches did not mean much unless I had some other more pronounced symptoms like atrophy or weakness.  He tested me upper body (shoulders, biceps and neck).  Said my EMG/NCV was clear.  The only thing that showed up on my CBC was my CPK level was 207, which he said was so minimal that it was not a concern.  When all was said and done he said I had brisk reflexes and some fascics.  He told me to stop reading the internet so much and calm down a little.

He made an interesting statement.  He said, "If you truly had ALS you and I would both know it pretty quickly."  He is a good neuro.  Vandy guy with a great reputation in the Louisville area.

Thanks

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

Brisk reflexes are common. But they can be abnormal depending upon what complaints you have.

Can you share your complaints ?

Regards