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CHAPTER 22
FIG. 105.
and various reflexes can be elicited by light stimulation of cutaneous areas. Although
the early crossed reflex is also flexion of the contra-lateral leg associated with
adduction, this is followed later by the development of extension synergy. It has been
suggested that the persistence of the flexor reflex response (one phase reaction) signifies
a complete transection of the cord, while the return of the leg following withdrawal to its
original position in extension (two phase reaction) is characteristic of an incomplete
lesion. The writer's observations did not confirm this theory. The clinical significance
of the change in reflex pattern will be discussed later. In the following, a few examples
may be given to demonstrate the variability of reflex patterns on the recovery from spinal
shock:
Case i.
A soldier aged 23 sustained a gunshot injury on 2 July 1944 of the loth thoracic
vertebra, resulting in complete transverse spinal syndrome below T9 with flaccid para-
