Aa
MS with hyporeflexia
48 yr. old female diagnosed with probable MS 1 1/2 yrs. ago by neurologist. Also being treated for ulcerative colitis which started about 5 years ago. Have had full MRI of spine with no problems found. Have had ANA, rheumatoid, B12, etc. testing all negative. Neurologist is puzzled by constant, both legs with +1 knee reflexes. What could be the cause? Thank you.
Several possibilites exist
this may be normal for you, but needs to be compared to your other reflexes to see if that is consistent
+1 means that the reflex cannot be obtained unless an activating procedure is performed like pulling the fingers apart or clenching the teeth. I cannot comment on the quality of the examination/accuracy of this score. Its not clear if the ankle jerks are absent also?
MS involves the upper motor neuron or central nervous system whereas decreased reflexes usually reflect a problem with the preipheral nervous system.
If you also had a peripheral neuropathy you may also have decreased reflexes - and it looks like you have been tested for some of these causes. An EMG and nerve conduction studies may provide more objective evidence of a superimposed peripheral neuropathy.
this may be normal for you, but needs to be compared to your other reflexes to see if that is consistent
+1 means that the reflex cannot be obtained unless an activating procedure is performed like pulling the fingers apart or clenching the teeth. I cannot comment on the quality of the examination/accuracy of this score. Its not clear if the ankle jerks are absent also?
MS involves the upper motor neuron or central nervous system whereas decreased reflexes usually reflect a problem with the preipheral nervous system.
If you also had a peripheral neuropathy you may also have decreased reflexes - and it looks like you have been tested for some of these causes. An EMG and nerve conduction studies may provide more objective evidence of a superimposed peripheral neuropathy.
Forgot to add that I have had nerve conduction tests--all normal.
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