HYPERREFLEXIA Meaning and
Definition
-
Hyperreflexia is a medical term that refers to an exaggerated reflex response of the nervous system. It is characterized by an increased level of involuntary muscle contractions or reflexes, which occur when a targeted body part is manually stimulated. This condition is usually caused by an abnormal overactivity of the neural pathways involved in the reflex arcs, resulting in a heightened sensitivity and responsiveness of the affected muscles.
Hyperreflexia may be indicative of an underlying neurological disorder, such as spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, or stroke. It can also occur as a result of certain medications, such as antidepressants or stimulants. When hyperreflexia is present chronically, it may suggest the presence of an upper motor neuron lesion, which can be a sign of significant neurological damage.
The symptoms of hyperreflexia can vary depending on the severity and underlying cause, but commonly include exaggerated jerking or twitching of muscles, rapid muscle contractions, and exaggerated reactions to sensory stimuli. In severe cases, hyperreflexia can lead to spasticity, which is a continuous contraction of muscles resulting in stiffness and reduced movement.
Evaluation of hyperreflexia typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and sometimes further diagnostic tests, such as imaging scans or nerve conduction studies. Treatment options for hyperreflexia depend on the underlying cause and may include medications to reduce muscle contractions, physical therapy to improve muscle control, or in some cases, surgical intervention to address the specific issue causing the hyperreflexia.
-
A condition in which the various reflexes are exaggerated.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYPERREFLEXIA
- gyperreflexia
- byperreflexia
- nyperreflexia
- jyperreflexia
- uyperreflexia
- yyperreflexia
- htperreflexia
- hgperreflexia
- hhperreflexia
- huperreflexia
- h7perreflexia
- h6perreflexia
- hyoerreflexia
- hylerreflexia
- hy-erreflexia
- hy0erreflexia
- hypwrreflexia
- hypsrreflexia
- hypdrreflexia
- hyprrreflexia
Etymology of HYPERREFLEXIA
The word "Hyperreflexia" is derived from two Greek roots: "hyper" meaning excessive or above normal, and "reflex" meaning an involuntary action in response to a stimulus. Therefore, the word "Hyperreflexia" refers to an excessive or heightened reflex response.
