Question 1

i have loss of leg strength and patellar reflex due to herniated discs at l3-l5; do i need surgery to recover? about 9 weeks ago, i had an episode of sciatica during a hiking trip. i still have significant loss of strength in the left quadricep (especiall

Accepted Answer

There : There is no simple answer to this question. If you strength continues to deteriorate and patellar reflex continues to stay decreased, then , that may mean that the disc fragment is still putting pressure on the nerve that is supplying your leg. Continous pressure could cause damage that will be difficult to reverse in the future. The best way to know whether you need surgery or not is to repeat emg/ncv test in a few weeks to see if there is progression of neurological changes. Also, if you start having symptoms like urinary incontinence, severe pain or complete weakness of the leg - it is time to see a surgeon. Very often, pain from disc herniations subsides on it's own, as a disc material gets absorbed. This can take up to 6 months.

Question 2

please explain what it means if i have no patellar reflex?

Accepted Answer

Depends: can be normal but see a spine doc as it could mean a pinched nerve

Question 3

what does it mean if i have no patellar reflex? is this a serious condition?

Accepted Answer

Not always abnormal: An Absent Patellar tendon reflex is not always abnormal.
As long as there are no other symptoms this may be normal for you. If you are concerned ask your physician.

Question 4

what does it mean if i have no patellar reflex? what about when i close my eyes and try to stay balanced, i end up swaying?

Accepted Answer

You: Should see a neurologist.Thats the romberg test, and you should have good balance with eyes closed.

Question 5

i have fibromyalgia. i don't know if there's any connection, but at a recent physical, i did not have a left patellar reflex. the doctor didn't say anything, but it is a concern.  can fibro affect this?

Accepted Answer

Loss : Loss of a reflex is common and may (or may not) represent a problem such as a pinched nerve (sciatica) in the lower back.  However, i know of no association between loss of a reflex and fibromyalgia.

Question 6

patellar reflex of my right knee works only after 10-12 tries and weakly at first, better after a few more tries. i have numbness, weakness, livedo r.

Accepted Answer

Varies: If there is an asymmetry between your reflexes on your right and left, associated with numbness and weakness I would recommend you be seen and evaluated.  An MRI may be useful to determine the cause of your condition as well.

Question 7

hi, i have elevated esr (50), normal crp, muscles twitches, reduced right knee patellar reflex & sometimes sore calves. what could cause this?

Accepted Answer

ESR is elevated: In chronic inflammatory conditions.  In your case, a chronic inflammatory neurologic disorder is a possibility.  See a neurologist or rheumatologist for opinion.

Question 8

what would cause hyper-sensitive patella reflex?

Accepted Answer

Several posibilities: Anxiety, an overactive thyroid, medications, an electrolyte imbalance, spinal cord injury, upper motor neuron diseases like ALS or a stroke.  Some people just are born with more hyperactive reflexes than the norm.

Question 9

i can't move my toes upwards, is that normal? i do have a strong patella reflex aswell if that makes a difference.

Accepted Answer

Not normal: normal range of motion for toe "extension" is at least 30 degrees from horizon .Show your doc.

Question 10

what happens to the patellar tendon reflex after running on the spot and why does this happen?
please help, this is urgent

Accepted Answer

Patellar reflex: The patellar tendon reflex is an involuntary reflex arc that occurs in response to rapid stretching of the tendon. When the tendon is tapped with a reflex hammer, involuntary stimulation of the quadriceps muscle (e.g., knee extension) is produced. Running and other exercises that promote fatiguability of the quad muscles can blunt, but typically cannot eliminate, the effect of the reflex itself.

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Doctor answers about:

Loss of patellar reflex

A member asked:

I have loss of leg strength and patellar reflex due to herniated discs at l3-l5; do i need surgery to recover? about 9 weeks ago, i had an episode of sciatica during a hiking trip. i still have significant loss of strength in the left quadricep (especiall

A member asked:

Please explain what it means if i have no patellar reflex?

A member asked:

What does it mean if i have no patellar reflex? is this a serious condition?

A member asked:

What does it mean if i have no patellar reflex? what about when i close my eyes and try to stay balanced, i end up swaying?

A member asked:

I have fibromyalgia. i don't know if there's any connection, but at a recent physical, i did not have a left patellar reflex. the doctor didn't say anything, but it is a concern. can fibro affect this?

A member asked:

Patellar reflex of my right knee works only after 10-12 tries and weakly at first, better after a few more tries. i have numbness, weakness, livedo r.

A member asked:

Hi, i have elevated esr (50), normal crp, muscles twitches, reduced right knee patellar reflex & sometimes sore calves. what could cause this?

A member asked:

What would cause hyper-sensitive patella reflex?

A member asked:

I can't move my toes upwards, is that normal? i do have a strong patella reflex aswell if that makes a difference.

A member asked:

What happens to the patellar tendon reflex after running on the spot and why does this happen? please help, this is urgent

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