Diminished Reflex Response
 

During my once-over-lightly annual physical with my new internist today, I was tested for reflex responses in my legs. The doctor hit my left knee with a rubber hammer and produced a robust response, but when he tried the right knee, it was approx. 60% less.

This is the first diminished reflex response I have ever had. Does this mean that my SFN is progressing (worsening) in the right leg?

Thanks.

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.)

^^Thank you for that careful response.

I wonder if an exercise and stretching regimen would improve things. Due to work, I have become very sedentary and out of shape this past year. However, recently I started back at the gym.

The reflex response at the knee has a name. Do you happen to know what the name is?

Thanks again.