Lack of Deep Tendon Reflexes

[polopuppy]

Hi! Does anyone else with a MS diagnosis lack deep tendon reflexes? I know hyper-reflexia is normal with MS but that is not true with me. I usually have no reflex response in my arms, knees or ankles. It is very odd and even my specialist can't explain it. My Babinski response is flat, too. Thanks!

[KoKo]

Does anyone else with a MS diagnosis lack deep tendon reflexes?

Not me, polopuppy - I have very hyper reflexes.

My Babinski response is flat, too.

My Babinski is positive - my toes space out.

Take Care

[Kimba22]

I do, polopuppy. They were never hyper responsive to begin with. Thought it was amusing when neuro would move off to side just in case I kicked him or her. But they were there in the beginning for me. But have been gone several years at least now.

Have had hospital drs and 'fellows' at my MS Specialist's office (drs in training to be neurologists) keep batting at me with their hammer until it hurts, utterly perplexed. Seems like my MS Specialist would enjoy their reaction! Umm ... hello, not fair to my poor knee!

I have an implanted baclofen pump and always thought it had something to do with that. Maybe it has something to do with being more progressive? I never did get a clear answer from my MS Specialist other than it happens sometimes. Good to know I'm not the only oddball.

[rdmc]

I have an implanted baclofen pump and always thought it had something to do with that. Maybe it has something to do with being more progressive? I never did get a clear answer from my MS Specialist other than it happens sometimes. Good to know I'm not the only oddball.

Hi Kimba, good to see you back. Sorry for the setbacks you mentioned in the other thread.

Polopuppy,

I have no reflexes in my legs now but I used to. They can give my legs as many thumps as they like, but nothing. This usually happens in the hospital when an on call neuro stops by. He says, "You have no reflexes." I say, "I have a baclofen pump." And that ends the conversation. My physiatrist told me that the baclofen is keeping the spasticity toned down, so no reflexes.

I've been in and out of the hospital since June with breathing problems and pneumonia, and my neuro doesn't have privileges at that hospital, so it's a different neuro every time I'm in there.

I've also, on occasion, had an on call neuro tell me I don't have MS. I always thank them for that news and tell them I'll make sure my neuro knows. So I report that to my neuro and
we both get a chuckle from the hospital neurologist's conclusion.

[polopuppy]

Hi Koko,

Thanks for taking the time to respond to my thread even if you aren't experiencing the same issue. I do appreciate it.

[polopuppy]

Hi Kimba,

Your experience sounds very similar to mine. I did have reflexes, although diminished, until 2011 and then they were gone. I was "undiagnosed" with MS at the time. My neuro couldn't explain what happened. I even had one neuro tell me that I was controlling my reflexes with my mind and I was causing them to disappear. I told him he was giving me far more credit than credit was due. LOL!

I do not have a Baclofen pump but I do take oral Baclofen for days that my spasticity is bad. The Baclofen is a very recent addition so I don't think it is the issue. I do have chronic spinal cord lesions and I am afraid I may have some new ones. I have imaging scheduled next month so I will have to see what they find.

I can't tell you how excited I was to know I wasn't the only person with this issue even though I am sorry you have this problem. Thanks for sharing your story with me.

[polopuppy]

Hi RDMC,

Thanks so much for your reply. I am very sorry about your respiratory difficulties and hospitalizations. I get frequent bouts of pneumonia and upper respiratory infections and it seem worse since I started Rituximab.

I'm glad I am not the only one with missing reflexes after hearing over and over again that I am so odd. As I told Kimba, I do not have a Baclofen pump but have started oral Baclofen. My lack of reflexes started years before the Baclofen.

I hope you can stay well and avoid the hospital over the winter months. Take care.

[Kimba22]

I even had one neuro tell me that I was controlling my reflexes with my mind and I was causing them to disappear. I told him he was giving me far more credit than credit was due. LOL!

I've also, on occasion, had an on call neuro tell me I don't have MS. I always thank them for that news and tell them I'll make sure my neuro knows. So I report that to my neuro and we both get a chuckle from the hospital neurologist's conclusion

Too funny! 😆

I am very sorry about your respiratory difficulties and hospitalizations. I get frequent bouts of pneumonia and upper respiratory infections and it seem worse since I started Rituximab.

I'm sorry to hear that too, rdmc.

I hope both of you stay well!