I read on conquerchiari.com about changes in reflexes. It said there is often an exaggerated reflex when various areas are tested. My left arm, left wrist, and right wrist pretty much just laid there when he was checking for the reflexes?
So was that article accurate? Is it just exaggerated reflexes, or do some people have decreased or non-existent reflexes?
I’m sorry if these questions are redundant or simple. I’m just curious.
Thanks for the help!
Hi Rebecca
At my last appointment (about a week ago) with the neurosurgeon I had very exaggerated reflexes in my knees and yet some of the other reflexes seemed almost absent as well. I can’t shed any light on why - I will leave that to someone who is more informed. But wanted to let you know there are definitely others out there with similar experiences.
Rebecca, hi 
I have hyperreflexia too. It’s a sign of nerve damage. It is common with us. You can google hyperreflexia, babinsky sign, Hoffman sign, and clonus. After my first decompression some of mine improved, while other areas got worse.
Jenn
I have decreased reflexes. Mine is mostly on my left side. My left knee barely moves, my left elbow barely moves, etc.
I think - but not 100% sure- that hyperreflexia is a sign of central nerve damage (spinal cord/brain), and hyporeflexia is a sign of peripheral nerve damage.
Oh wow, I did not know about the exaggerated reflexes, but that is one thing the neurologist said I had, but he blew it off, which made me not think anything of it. Good to know. Sorry I can't answer any of your questions, but thank you for giving me some knowledge.
Yes, this is correct. Hyper-reflexia is an upper motor neuron sign(brain/spinal cord) and is clinical evidence of something obstructing normal electrical flow from the brain to the muscle.
jcdemar said:
I think - but not 100% sure- that hyperreflexia is a sign of central nerve damage (spinal cord/brain), and hyporeflexia is a sign of peripheral nerve damage.
Hi Rebecca,
I too have no response to reflex tests on my ankle, knee, wrist, elbow. My GP just says "Hmmm" She has not given me a direct answer when asked why my body does not respond to the tests.
It has been over a year since I have seen my NS, but I feel like it is time to schedule a visit.
I have ACM with a new syrinx that cropped up a few months ago on MRI, along with a host of spinal issues.
What does your MD say about your lack of reflex response?
Rebecca,
I do have a Neurosurgeon. His name is Wouter Schievink. His practice is in LA, and I live in Alaska, so not easy to get there as often as I would like. I am so happy that I found him. He is a life saver!
I had a 13mm Chiari, that was decompressed in 2009. Another surg. 2 months later, to repair a psuedomeningocele. The orig. syrinx I had in 2009 has pretty much deflated, however, a small, new syrinx has popped up, not too long ago. My NS is not aware of that, so I do think I will schedule an appt. with him within the next few months.
I see a Neurologist in Anchorage, and she does not say much about my lack of reflex test response. "Could be a number of reasons. I have not pushed for a specific answer. Sometimes, I just wait until I'm ready to take on the next chapter.
Dr Schievink thinks I may have a CSF leak, and I do have spinal stenosis, along with a few cysts.
I'm not too worried about things, but do know that it is probably time to stop ignoring the situation.
My GP in anch. had never treated/seen a patient with Chiari, but she is very agreeable to ordering MRIs when I feel I need one, and is very good to talk to.
My NL always wants to prescribe meds., and I know she is trying to help, but I don't want to take them.
I hope you find good quality health care providers that are skilled in the areas of medicine that YOU need.
Rebecca:
Anchorage has an awesome group of Neurosurgeons, and Physicians. I guess we are lucky in AK to have a couple of NS that have quite a bit of training and experience with CM. It was just a certain set of circumstances that I ended up in Dr. S's office.
I was referred to Dr. S. by my daughter in law, who lives in CA, and while visiting with her, I sought a third opinion from him. All three surgeons were of the same opinion, however, everything clicked when I consulted with him, and the rest is history.
All I can say is, keep searching for the right Dr./Drs. that specialize in what you need.
My pop was born in WV. He and my mother met, and married there. I am an east coast transplant.
Let us know what your research turns up.
Pam
Rebecca said:
Oh wow. I see. ALASKA! And here I'm complaining about trying to find someone in WV. Lol. Eekk. Well, if I get more info on my reflexes I will post and let you know in the mean time. Take care of your self up there and thank you for the well wishes!