clonus assessment

Clonus assessment involves checking for involuntary, rhythmic muscle contractions. This is typically done by rapidly dorsiflexing the foot (pulling it upward) and observing the response. In healthy individuals, the muscles should relax after the movement. However, in certain medical conditions, this action may trigger a series of involuntary muscle spasms, or clonus. The presence of clonus can indicate issues with the nervous system, particularly affecting the brain and spinal cord. Therefore, healthcare providers use this assessment to evaluate neurological function and identify potential abnormalities.