Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Extensor digitorum reflex
Introduction
The Extensor digitorum reflex is tested as part of the neurological examination to asses the sensory and motor pathways within the C6 and C7 spinal nerves. It is also know as Braunecker-Effenberg reflex, BER.
Testing
Testing
The test is performed by tapping the Extensor digitorum muscle while the the fingers are light or half flexed. A sudden contraction of the Musculus extensor digitorum and an extension of the fingers indicates a normal reflex.
Absence of reflex
Absence of reflex
An absence of reflex can be an indicator for neuropathy within the C6 and C7 or the Deep branch of the radial nerve.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]