CLINICAL DIAGNOSTIC MANUAL
Hyporeflexia refers to a reduction in the response of deep tendon reflexes, indicating an issue in the peripheral nerve pathway or spinal cord, which disrupts the transmission of signals between muscles and the central nervous system.
This condition can be a sign of various neurological and muscular pathologies. Careful assessment of diminished reflexes is crucial to identifying the underlying cause and providing appropriate treatment.
Pathology | Clinical Symptoms and Signs | Suspected Diagnosis | Confirmatory Diagnosis |
|---|---|---|---|
Sensory neuropathy | Numbness, tingling, loss of sensation, “glove and stocking” distribution | Medical history, neurological examination, symmetrical symptoms | EMG, nerve conduction studies, blood tests |
Motor neuropathy | Muscle weakness, atrophy, fasciculations, loss of reflexes, “glove and stocking” distribution | Medical history, neurological examination, symmetrical symptoms | EMG, nerve conduction studies, blood tests |
Primary muscle disease | Progressive muscle weakness, muscle pain, atrophy, myopathy | Medical history, physical examination, signs of myopathy | Elevated CPK, muscle biopsy, genetic studies |
Cerebellar disease | Ataxia, intentional tremor, dysmetria, incoordination, balance disturbances | Medical history, neurological examination, ataxic gait | Brain MRI, cerebellar coordination tests |
Posterior root injury of C7-C8 | Loss of sensation in the middle and little fingers, possible weakness in intrinsic hand muscles | Medical history, neurological examination, radicular pain | Cervical MRI, nerve conduction studies |
Posterior root injury of C5-C6 | Loss of sensation in the shoulder and lateral part of the arm, possible weakness in the deltoid and biceps | Medical history, neurological examination, radicular pain | Cervical MRI, nerve conduction studies |
Posterior root injury of L3-L4 | Loss of sensation in the anterior and medial thigh, possible weakness in the quadriceps | Medical history, neurological examination, radicular pain | Lumbar MRI, nerve conduction studies |
Posterior root injury of S1-S2 | Loss of sensation in the posterior thigh and leg, possible weakness in calf muscles | Medical history, neurological examination, radicular pain | Lumbar MRI, nerve conduction studies |
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