Psychiatric patients often do not cooperate fully with the neurologic examination. Reflexes virtually bypass patient effort and are difficult to consciously determine. This article reviews muscle stretch (deep tendon) reflexes, and pathological reflexes including the extensor plantar (Babinski) and primitive release reflexes. Topics include findings in common psychiatric and neurologic conditions and methods for eliciting these signs.
Keywords: Babinski reflex; Chaddock reflex; Psychiatry and neurology; deep tendon reflexes; grasp reflex; neurologic examination; palmomental reflex.