Which of the following items typically determine a tendon reflex as pathological hypereflexia in a clinical examination?

Which of the following items typically determine a tendon reflex as pathological hypereflexia in a clinical examination?

The correct answer is B) Presence of clonus. Pathological hypereflexia refers to an exaggerated or abnormal reflex response. Clonus is a key indicator of pathological hypereflexia. Clonus is characterized by rhythmic, oscillatory, and involuntary muscle contractions that occur in response to a sustained stretch stimulus, often seen when testing tendon reflexes. This is different from the normal brisk and symmetrical reflex response observed in healthy individuals. Let's briefly explain the other options: A) Lower amplitude of reflex response and C) Narrower reflexogenic zone: : This would actually suggest hypoactive or diminished reflexes, not hypereflexia. D) Symmetrical reflex responses: Symmetry in reflex responses is a normal expectation. Asymmetry could indicate a problem, but it doesn't specifically point to hypereflexia.

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