Hyperreflexia

Overactivity of physiological reflexes, presenting as exaggerated deep tendon reflexes or other muscle stretch reflex responses due to increased excitability of the reflex arc, typically associated with upper motor neuron lesions or reduced supraspinal inhibitory control.

Causes

• Central nervous system causes

  • Spinal cord injury/compression

  • Multiple sclerosis

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

  • Stroke

  • Traumatic brain injury

  • Cervical myelopathy

  • Brain or spinal cord tumors

  • Cerebral palsy

• Vitamin B12 deficiency

• Hypocalcemia --> increased neuromuscular excitability

• Hyperthyroidism

• Serotonin syndrome

• Toxic and medications: Stimulant substances

• Physiological

  • Anxiety

  • Stress

  • Normal variant, particularly in otherwise healthy individuals