Pathologic Reflexes of the UE
Reflex Elicitation
1. Gordon’s sign
2. Hoffman’s (Digital) sign
3. Souque’s phenomenon
4. Strumpell’s pronation sign
5. Palmomental reflex
Reflex
6. Babinski
7. Chaddock’s
8. Oppenheim’s
Positive Response Pathology
Compression of the Extension of fingers Pyramidal tract
radial side of pisiform lesion
bone
Elicited by flicking the Flexion of distal Increased irritability
terminal phalanx of phalanx of thumb and of sensory nerves in
index, middle or ring of distal phalanx of tetany
finger index or middle finger
Elicited by elevating Abduction and Cerebral
the affected arm extension of the fingers hemispheric lesion
of the elevated arm
Elicited by horizontal Inward rotation of the Pyramidal tract
abduction of arms, limb lesion
supination of hands,
and extension of
elbows and fingers
Elicited by stroking the Contraction of the Cerebral pathology
hypothenar eminence mentalis and
in a proximal lesion Obicularis Oris
Pathologic Reflexes of the LE
Elicitation Positive Response Pathology
Elicited by stroking of Extension of big toe Pyramidal tract
the lateral aspect of and fanning of four lesion
sole small toes
Normal response for
newborns
Elicited by stroking the Extension of big toe Pyramidal tract
lateral side of foot and fanning of four lesion
beneath lateral small toes
malleolus
Elicited by stroking the Extension of big toe Pyramidal tract
anteromedial surface and fanning of four lesion
of tibia from small toes
intrapatellar region to
 ankle

9. Gordon’s Elicited by squeezing Extension of big toe Pyramidal tract

calf muscles firmly and fanning of four lesion
small toes

10. Piotrowski’s Elicited by percussion Dorsiflexion and Organic disease of

of tibialis anterior supination of foot Central Nervous
System

11. Brudzinski Elicited by passive Similar movement Meningitis

flexion of neck and one occurring on the
lower limb contralateral side

12. Rossolimo’s Elicited by tapping the Plantar flexion of the Pyramidal tract
plantar surface of the toes lesion
toe

13. Schaeffer’s Elicited by pinching the Flexion of foot and Organic Hemiplegia
middle third of Achilles toes
tendon

14. Gonda’s sign Elicited by flexion of Extensor plantar reflex Pyramidal tract
four toe and release it lesion
immediately

References:

Physical Rehabilitation by Susan Sullivan 6th Edition

Orthopedic Physical Assessment by Magee 6th Edition

https://www.physio-pedia.com/

https://en.wikipedia.org/