Why does the doctor hit the knee with a hammer and why is it especially important for athletes?

Many people are familiar with the tapping of a hammer on the knee. Or, for example, touching the tip of your nose with your index finger. Surely you have been examined by a neurologist at least once? These and other tasks the doctor asks to perform to assess the state of the nervous system. But how do you know which reaction is normal? Did you pass the test?

doctor-neurologist at the Vinogradov Clinical Hospital.

The accuracy of a competent neurological examination is comparable to the accuracy of a computer or magnetic resonance tomograph.

Recently, the number of those suffering from diseases of the nervous system has increased significantly. The percentages are alarming. In Moscow alone, for the past year 2020, the number of patients with diseased nervous system amounted to 7,631 among children and 1,546 at the age of 18 and older. The figures were derived per 100,000 people. That is, on average, such disappointing figures come to every thousand people in the population.

Reduced response may indicate a peripheral lesion of the nervous system. For example, polyneuropathy. It manifests itself in a decrease in muscle strength and sensitivity, as well as in the deterioration of blood circulation.

Increased reaction indicates malfunctions in the central nervous system. For example, about Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, sclerosis, etc.

In general, however, changes in the knee reflex are numerous.

What other neurologic tests are there?

Pulmonologist

In a standard examination, the doctor assesses the patient’s consciousness, orientation in space, time, his own personality. For example, may ask questions such as: where you are now, what year it is, what is your name.

The doctor also looks at the size of the pupils, their symmetry, reaction to light. Cranial nerve function is assessed: you may be asked to frown, smile, show your tongue. The neurologist pays attention to tendon reflexes, their symmetry, hand strength, symptoms of meningitis.

The doctor also checks for the presence of pathological reflexes, for example, on the foot. Such a test shows the reflex of the flexor muscles of the foot and toes: if in response to their rapid stretching of the fingers as if “nodding”, the reaction is considered elevated and the neurologist may prescribe additional tests.

Many tests are done depending on the patient’s complaints and the suspected problem.

Peter: All of these sometimes bizarre rituals help the specialist assess how the nervous system is functioning.

Why are neurological checks especially important for athletes?

In general, athletes are no more susceptible to illness than the average person, but they have a higher risk of injury.

Marina: Sports can be associated with injuries to the head, peripheral nerves, and spine. Therefore, athletes need to undergo regular neurological examinations. An examination by a neurologist allows you to detect abnormalities in the nervous system earlier and take appropriate measures.