The Mendel-Bechterew reflex sign, also known as the Mendel-Bechterev test or simply the reflex sign, refers to a neurological examination technique used to assess the integrity and functioning of the deep tendon reflexes in a patient. This test is commonly employed in clinical settings to diagnose and evaluate conditions affecting the central nervous system, such as spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological disorders.
During the Mendel-Bechterew reflex sign test, a physician or healthcare professional applies a series of taps or strikes to a specific tendon, typically in the knee area, using a reflex hammer. The patient's leg is usually slightly flexed to optimize the response. This action stimulates the corresponding muscle spindles and elicits an involuntary contraction of the muscle, causing the leg to jerk or kick. The examiner observes the amplitude, speed, and symmetry of the reflex response, comparing it to the normal range of reflex activity.
Interpretation of the Mendel-Bechterew reflex sign test involves analyzing the observed reflex response. Absence or diminishment of the reflex may indicate nerve damage or dysfunction, while exaggerated or brisk reflexes could signal an underlying neurological condition. This information aids in determining the location and nature of the neurological problem, assisting in diagnosis and appropriate management.
It is worth noting that the Mendel-Bechterew reflex sign is named after two prominent figures in medical history: Gregor Mendel, an Austrian botanist and geneticist, and Vladimir Bechterew, a Russian neurologist. Their contributions to the fields of genetics and neurology have had a significant impact on the development of medical knowledge and practice.
