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Related Experiment Videos

Tendon jerks in Parkinson's disease

J P Hammerstad1, K Elliott, E Mak

  • 1Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.

Journal of Neural Transmission. Parkinson'S Disease and Dementia Section
|January 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary

Increased tendon reflexes are a common feature in idiopathic parkinsonism (IP). This study found heightened reflexes in many IP patients, suggesting a potential link to basal ganglia dysfunction or other neurodegenerative diseases.

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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neuroscience
  • Movement Disorders

Background:

  • Idiopathic parkinsonism (IP) is a neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting motor function.
  • Alterations in reflex responses can occur in various neurological conditions.
  • The specific characteristics of tendon reflexes in IP require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the type and frequency of tendon reflex alterations in patients with idiopathic parkinsonism.
  • To determine if reflex changes correlate with disease severity or cardinal IP signs.
  • To explore the potential pathophysiological basis of observed reflex changes.

Main Methods:

  • Tendon reflexes were assessed in 119 patients diagnosed with idiopathic parkinsonism.
  • 40 healthy spouse controls were included for comparison.

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  • Reflex ratings were systematically analyzed for abnormalities, particularly hyperreflexia.

    • Main Results:

    • A significantly higher proportion of IP patients (41/119) exhibited hyperactive tendon reflexes (3+ rating at multiple sites) compared to controls (2/40).
    • No correlation was found between reflex scores and IP disease severity or its cardinal motor symptoms.
    • In patients with asymmetric reflexes, hyperreflexia corresponded to the side with more pronounced parkinsonian signs.

    Conclusions:

    • Elevated tendon reflexes represent a notable feature in idiopathic parkinsonism.
    • The underlying pathophysiology of these reflex changes warrants further investigation.
    • These findings may indicate an overlooked manifestation of basal ganglia dysfunction or a connection to other neurodegenerative diseases.