Warning Signs Of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Exaggerated Reflexes

Exaggerated reflexes can be a symptom of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This disease damages the upper motor neurons in the patient's body. The upper motor neurons are responsible for carrying nerve impulses from the individual's brain to their spinal cord. Lower motor neurons are responsible for carrying nerve impulses from the spinal cord to the muscles all around the body. Due to the fact these types of nerves have different functions, the body will be affected in different ways when they become damaged. When the upper motor neurons become damaged, the muscles become stiff and tight or experience spasticity. These muscles may also experience hyperreflexia or exaggerated reflexes to stimuli. The gag reflex often becomes exaggerated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patient. Another reflex commonly observed in patients with this disease is called Babinski's sig, which is the upward extension of the large toe when the sole of a foot is stimulated.

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