5/27/2023 0 Comments Deep tendon fleexFrequency of clonus: 5-8 Hz and the average period of oscillations of the ankle clonus is approximately 160–200 ms with plantar flexion comprising 45% of the period and dorsiflexion 55% of the period.The first beat is the longest, with decreasing duration of beats until the fourth beat, after which the beat frequency becomes equivalent from one to the next. Each beat will be felt as a plantarflexion followed by a relaxation.Rhythm and number of beats can be appreciated.The initial brisk dorsiflexion and sustained pressure can be done with slight eversion of the foot.Ī positive Clonus sign is recorded when the examiner feels and sees the oscillations against this pressure. The therapist holds the ankle in dorsiflexion. The physiotherapist slightly flexes the leg to be examined at the knee and with the other hand gently moving the ankle a couple of times in dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the ankle, before rapidly dorsiflexing the ankle. The patient lies in a relaxed supine position. The technique is performed without any equipment. The test helps in differentiating between the involvement of the central nervous and peripheral nervous system. Clonus of the ankle results in repeated dorsiflexion of the ankle in response to brisk dorsiflexion of the foot. It is also used in prognostic evaluation of seizures in certain drug overdoses, and therefore can be used in treatment. The cause of the oscillations are related to lesions in upper motor neurons and is generally accompanied by hyperreflexia. Therefore, clonus is used as part of the neurological physical exam to assess the status of a patient’s nervous system. Clonus is a rhythmic, oscillating, stretch reflex.
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