What is hyperreflexia ?

[tot_teacher]

I've read references to hyperreflexia but am not exactly sure what it is ?  Am I correct in thinking it's not one certain symptom like a overactive knee reflex but any number of auto-reflexes associated with automatic reflexes such as breathing, heart beat, etc.?

- Alisa

[tot_teacher]

Hey -

I've never really fit into any "norm".  I was diagnosed as diabetic as a young adult, but I weighed 104 lbs at 5'4".  Physicians didn't take me serious back then when I asked to be tested because I did't fit the "textbook criteria".  Your knowledge is sooooo very
helpful, but I do tend to stay on top of symptoms and include them especially if there is a possibility that they are significant to a diagnosis ( MS or not ).  

I've found that Autonomic Hyperreflexia has been documented in MS, though it's rare.  It would explain several symptoms such as shortness of breath, goose bump reaction to sensations, etc.  

Could this be a more sensory related case of MS ??  I have no idea, but its definately on my list to disprove.  Give me your thoughts on this.  Thanks again.

- Alisa

[Quixotic1]

Autonomic hyperrefexia does occur in MS, but it is very uncommon.  Hyperactivity of the tendon reflexes is extremely common in MS, almost the rule.

The body is full of reflexive actions so the discussion can become confusing.

Q

[tot_teacher]

Quix -

Thanks.  I guess what I was reading was talking about "Autonomic Hyperreflexia" whic effects the auto-reflexes which control blood pressure, heart rate, etc.

Are both types common in MS?

- Alisa

[Quixotic1]

Hyperreflexia typically refers to the response of your limb when they tap a tendon that crosses your elbow, knee, forearm, or ankle with the hammer.  When they are talking about other types of reflexes, that type (like the baroreflex or the vagal reflex) is always specified.

I wrote a complete HP on this called "Measuring the Tendon Reflexes."

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple+Sclerosis/Measuring-The-Tendon-Reflexes/show/157?cid=36


Quix