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The history of examination of reflexes

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Abstract

In the late 1800s, Wilhelm Erb, Joseph Babinski, William Gowers, and others helped develop the neurologic examination as we know it today. Erb was one of the first to emphasize a detailed and systematic neurologic exam and was co-discoverer of the muscle stretch reflex, Gowers began studying the knee jerk shortly after it was described, and Babinski focused on finding reliable signs that could differentiate organic from hysterical paralysis. These physicians and others emphasized the bedside examination of reflexes, which have been an important part of the neurologic examination ever since. This review will focus on the history of the examination of the following muscle stretch and superficial/cutaneous reflexes: knee jerk, jaw jerk, deep abdominal reflexes, superficial abdominal reflexes, plantar reflex/Babinski sign, and palmomental reflex. The history of reflex grading will also be discussed.

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Acknowledgments

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for profit sectors.

Conflicts of interest

Dr. Boes serves as a Book Review Editor for Neurology® and as a Contributing Editor to Headache Currents.

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  1. Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA

    Christopher J. Boes

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Boes, C.J. The history of examination of reflexes. J Neurol 261, 2264–2274 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-014-7326-7

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