hyperreflexia it is a condition in which reflexive responses are stronger than what is considered a normal response. The increased response to normal stimuli can lead to continuous episodes of spasms or movements that are generally classified as spastic. Victims have little or no control over these exaggerated reflexive responses. There are several causes for hyperreflexia, including spinal cord injury and an adverse reaction to medication.
A person suffering from hyperreflexia is likely to have a condition that interferes with the control that the higher brain center normally controls over lower neural pathways. The end result is that some kind of stimulus that would normally produce no more than a mild reaction triggers an exaggerated response. This often manifests itself in sudden movements that are just as startling to the individual with the condition as those who are nearby.
One of the most common causes of hyperreflexia is damage to the spinal cord. This damage may be sustained in some type of accident, or have taken place during the course of surgery. Depending on the nature of the damage to the spinal cord, repairing that damage can reverse or at least partially weaken overactive reflexes, allowing the individual to perform daily tasks with more confidence.
It is also possible that hyperreflexia develops as a reaction to different types of medications. Should a certain medication interfere with the electrolyte balance in the body, the result may be a reflex over-response. Medications that alter the production or use of serotonin in the brain can also cause uncontrollable twitching or movement of the arms and legs. Often, if the medication is switched to another medication that does not cause an imbalance in serotonin or electrolytes, the hyperactive movements will eventually stop.
Brain trauma is also a possible underlying cause of hyperreflexia. Assuming that the damage to the brain can be repaired or healed over time, there is a good chance that the spasms and uncontrollable movements will be less frequent and less severe. To control symptoms during recovery, a doctor may prescribe some type of antispasmodic that can minimize flare-ups and allow the individual to enjoy a more normal quality of life.
Treatment for hyperreflexia will vary, depending on the reason(s) for the condition. There is no specific amount of time that must pass before the responses return to within normal limits. For this reason, anyone with this condition should work closely with a treating physician and develop expectations based on the advice and information provided by that physician.