Ankle Clonus Test

Many times, we suffer from abnormal reflex movements of the foot. This involuntary movement disappears as soon as it appears. However, in some cases there is a continuous rhythmic reflex tremor of the ankle muscles. This is called clonus. Deep tendon reflexes are used to understand the response of the muscles as this malady may be a sign of a neurological disorder that needs assessment. Let us go into the details of the test.

What is Ankle Clonus
It is the rhythmic contractions of the calf muscles that occurs after a sudden dorsiflexion of the leg that is being semi-flexed. This leads to involuntary muscle contraction in the ankle and repeated extension and flexion of the foot. One or two beats are considered to be normal, and does not indicate any neurological problem. However, more than 4 beats does indicate towards underlying problems.

Causes
An injury to the brain or spinal cord may lead to ankle clonus. Other than that, stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, hepatic encephalopathy, paraplegia are also found to be some of the causes. It is often observed in newborns which parents confuse with signs of cerebral palsy. However, in newborns it does not always indicate neurological disorders. Studies show, it is very normal to observe such a condition till about 5 months but if the affliction persists more than this, it is better to get the infant examined for further diagnosis.

How is the Test Performed camel casing
The test is very simple to perform. The doctor will ask the patient to relax, after which the knee will be supported in a partly flexed position. The foot will be quickly moved to a dorsiflex position, that is, the foot will be gently pushed backwards. The foot will be released and it will be observed for rhythmic clonus movements. If more than 3 beats are observed, the reflexes are termed as hyperactive without clonus. In case of more than 4 beats it is called hyperactive with clonus, and observation of more than 5 beats indicates the presence of ankle clonus.

In case of detection of cerebral palsy, this test proves to be very useful. The foot of the child is moved to dorsiflexion position. Presence of cerebral palsy, leads to spasms in the calf muscles inducing up and down jump of the leg involuntarily. These rhythmic, repeated and alternating jerks between relaxation and contraction of muscles is a sign of the individual being spastic.

Treatment
The treatment involves use of drugs like valium, dantrium, etc., that help control the motor neurons. Alcohol blocks are also used at the muscle/motor point and peripheral nerves to curb the vibrations. In case of spinal injury, surgery is suggested as a treatment so as to release the pinched nerves. Spinal disc herniations too requires surgery. Physical therapy proves helpful in its treatment as well. Apart from that, braces, walking aides and walking sticks are advised to patients who have problems maintaining their gait.

It can cause the foot to jerk and twist involuntarily. This causes loss of balance and problems while walking or standing, causing pain and discomfort to the patient. Speak to a neurologist regarding your symptoms and seek help.

DISCLAIMER
*The information offered on this site is not to be used as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. The reader is advised to consult with a medical consultant before taking any home remedies, supplements or following any treatment advised by anyone on this site. A medical consultant will be able to provide the reader with advice that is safe and effective for an individual's specific needs and diagnose a particular health problem based on their personal medical history.