Radiculopathy commonly shows involvement of reflexes at the affected level.

• A. Reflexes are always normal
• B. Reflex changes only occur in peripheral neuropathy
• C. Reflex changes may occur at the affected level in radiculopathy
• D. Reflex changes occur in all reflexes

Answer: (C)

Radiculopathy involves irritation or compression of a spinal nerve root, and that root mediates a specific deep tendon reflex. When the root is affected, the reflex at that level can be diminished or absent because the reflex arc is disrupted. This change is localized to the involved level, so other reflexes are typically normal. Therefore, reflex changes may occur at the affected level in radiculopathy. The other statements aren’t accurate: reflexes aren’t always normal, changes aren’t limited to peripheral neuropathy, and not all reflexes are affected—only those tied to the involved root.