Extensor digitorum reflex

The extensor digitorum reflex is tested as part of the neurological examination to assess the sensory and motor pathways within the C6 and C7 spinal nerves. It is also known as Braunecker-Effenberg reflex, or BER.

Testing

The test is performed by tapping the extensor digitorum muscle while the fingers are light or half flexed. A sudden contraction of the musculus extensor digitorum and extension of the fingers indicate a normal reflex.^[1]

Absence of reflex

An absence of reflex can be an indicator for radiculopathy within the C6 and C7 or neuropathy within the deep branch of the radial nerve.

References

^ Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus, Extensor Digitorum Communis Reflex DTR MSR on YouTube

External links

[1] Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus, Extensor Digitorum Communis Reflex DTR MSR on YouTube

[1]

v t e Reflexes
Cranial nerve	Pupillary light reflex Accommodation reflex Jaw jerk reflex Corneal reflex Caloric reflex test/Vestibulo-ocular reflex/Oculocephalic reflex Pharyngeal (gag) reflex
Stretch reflexes	Arm Biceps reflex Brachioradialis reflex Triceps reflex Leg Patellar reflex Ankle jerk reflex Plantar reflex
Primitive reflexes	Galant Gastrocolic Grasp Moro Rooting Stepping Sucking Tonic neck Parachute
Superficial reflexes	Abdominal reflex Cremasteric reflex
Cardiovascular	Bainbridge reflex Bezold–Jarisch reflex Coronary reflex Cushing reflex Diving reflex Oculocardiac reflex Baroreflex Reflex bradycardia Reflex tachycardia Respiratory Churchill–Cope reflex
Other	List of reflexes Acoustic reflex H-reflex Golgi tendon reflex Optokinetic Startle response Withdrawal reflex Crossed extensor reflex Symmetrical tonic neck reflex Scratch reflex Escape reflex Escape response Avoidance response Knismesis and gargalesis Ideomotor reflex