Testing deep tendon reflexes permits an adequate sampling of reflex activity of the spinal cord and ensures that the reflex arcs are intact. Hyperreflexia is a characteristic of spasticity.
Clonus can be elicited by sudden stretch of the target muscle. It manifests as rhythmic, uniphasic or monophasic contractions and relaxations of a group of muscles.
Babinski: The plantar reflex is elicited when the sole of the foot is stimulated on its lateral border from heel to toe. A positive Babinski sign consists of dorsiflexion of the great toe with splaying of the digits. It is a manifestation of an upper motoneuron lesion. Selective motor control should also be evaluated for both gross and fine muscles of the extremities.
Several measures can be used to grade spasticity and follow the results of treatment. These include:
- Ashworth Scale
- Modified Ashworth Scale
- Tardieu Scale
