Reflex Hammer

A **Reflex Hammer** is a specialized **Diagnostics Tool** used by healthcare professionals, particularly neurologists and general practitioners, to elicit deep tendon reflexes (DTRs). This simple yet effective instrument is designed to strike tendons at specific points (e.g., patellar tendon below the kneecap, Achilles tendon at the ankle) to assess the integrity of the peripheral nervous system and spinal cord. The hammer's head is typically made of rubber or silicone to provide a soft impact, while the handle is balanced for precise control. Eliciting reflexes helps in the **diagnosis of neurological disorders**, nerve damage, or spinal cord injuries, as abnormal or absent reflexes can indicate underlying pathology. Different types of reflex hammers exist (e.g., Taylor, Babinski, Queen Square), each with unique designs optimized for different reflex assessments. By observing the involuntary muscle contractions in response to the tap, clinicians can gain valuable insights into neurological function, making the reflex hammer an indispensable tool for comprehensive neurological examination.