Reflex Hammers

Reflex Hammers

MDF Reflex Hammers

A reflex hammer is a medical instrument used by practitioners to test deep tendon reflexes. Testing for reflexes is an important part of the neurological physical examination in order to detect abnormalities in the central or peripheral nervous system. Reflex hammers can also be used for chest percussion.

Starting in the late 19th century, several models of specific reflex hammers were created:

• The Taylor reflex hammer was designed by John Madison Taylor in 1888 and is the most well known reflex hammer in the USA.
• The Babinski reflex hammer was designed by Joseph Babiński in 1912 and is similar to the Queen Square hammer, except that it has a metallic handle that is often detachable.
• The Trömner reflex hammer was designed by Ernst Trömner. This model is shaped like a two-headed mallet. The larger mallet is used to elicit tendon stretch reflexes, and the smaller mallet is used to elicit percussion myotonia.