The fast and unintentional response from the stimulus is known as a reflex. Humans perform uncountable reflexes in a day like blinking eyes due to striking light, shivering from an unusual or sudden sound, pulling hands away from the hotplate, etc.
But do you know why are the tendon reflexes so quick? They don’t arrive from the brain. Instead, sensory neurons are vital in carrying the stimulus to the spinal cord’s neurons. Nonetheless, the reflex response doesn’t stay the same if you experience the same things more often.
The reflex hammers are special equipment for medical practitioners to notice the tendon reflexes. For example, the main reflexes include the triceps, biceps, patellar, ankle, and brachioradialis. In addition, the doctors can test the patient’s health by reflexes to detect any sign of neuromuscular disorder. Below in this blog, we will elaborate on the neurological reflex hammer in-depth.
What Are Neurological And Reflex Hammers?
The neurological hammer is suitable to assess the reflexes in the muscles deeply during the neurosurgical procedures. Also, it is suitable to detect irregularities in the nervous system. In addition, it has an ergonomic handle to provide a secure grip over the hammer.
How To Use A Neurological Reflex Hammer?
There are three steps to use this hammer that is as follows:
- Select any of the variations among the hammers and grab them with a firm grip through the handle.
- Ensure that the muscles you need to test are not contracting or stretching. The muscles should be in a neutral position to provoke the right response from the tendons.
- Now, you can make a single strike on the tendon and notice the reaction of the muscle.
Types Of Reflex Hammers
Doctors use the neurological and reflex hammer to test the tendon reflexes deeply. It is ideal for testing that there is no abnormality in the central nervous system or peripheral. The length of this hammer can range from 7’’ to 9 1/2’’. The specifications of this medical equipment make it suitable for the physical examination of all patients. Whilst all have the same functioning, there are some dissimilarities which we will define below:
- Ebstein Neurological And Reflex Hammer: It comes with a pin brush and 7’’ graduated scale.
- Dejerine Neurological And Reflex Hammer: This is a double-sided mallet with a long shaft and comfortable hand to ensure a secure user’s grip.
- Neuro-Duoflex Neurological And Reflex Hammer: It has a long handle and two mallets of small and large size for precise percussion on the muscles.
- Troemner Neurological And Reflex Hammer: It comes with an extra-long handle and small and large mallets of silicone to strike the tendon accurately.
- Berliner Neurological And Reflex Hammer: It has a curved end and broad handle for a feasible grip without measurements.
Where Can You Get The Best Neurological Reflex Hammer?
The reflex hammers should be convenient to hold and use in several instances while examining a patient’s tendon reflexes. Thus, you need to choose the manufacturer carefully. Besides this, the mallet’s quality should be incredibly durable, so it lasts longer and makes a purchase worth it for your veterinary setting. Don’t worry! GerMedUSA.com has covered it by providing the ideal solutions for surgeons by making innovative surgical instruments and equipment. They have several neurological and reflex hammers to assist the surgeons in all instances while detecting neuromuscular diseases. The instruments are built with expert guidance and in-depth research to ensure fruitful results.
FAQ’s
Which Muscle Does A Reflex Hammer Stimulate?
It stimulates contraction in the abdominal muscles, thighs, internal rotators, and adductor muscle.
Does Brain Play Any Role In The Reflex Action?
There is no involvement of the brain to produce reflex action. It is mainly linked to the spinal cord, and the action is very rapid.
Which Is The Working Side Of The Reflex Hammer?
There is a choice of using this instrument from the flat or the pointed end. For instance, the flat end is convenient when the doctor has to strike the patient directly. Also, the pointed end is helpful to strike at the smaller areas like your finger placed on the bicep tendon of the patient.