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Old 06-08-2012, 06:29 AM
glenntaj glenntaj is offline
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glenntaj glenntaj is offline
Magnate
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Queens, NY
Posts: 2,857
15 yr Member
Default Small-fiber neuropathies--

--do not tend to result in reflex changes, as the nerves that control these are larger caliber fibers.

On the other hand, many people have mixed types--mostly small fiber and some larger fiber involvement mixed in.

Two other things:

It is common for reflex responses to get less brisk as one gets older, though the degree of reduction is highly variable.

And--reduced reflex response if often a sign of nerve compression somewhere in the pathway. Many of us have arthritic spines and get some reduction of reflex response as we get older, as osteophytic spurs or even disc bulges compromise our neural foramina. (I have reduced brachial reflex response that does seem related to my cervical C5/C6/C7 foraminal size reduction and nerve root compression.)
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