Barré Reflex
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
This 1930s encyclopedia article describes the Barré reflex (retromalleolar reflex), elicited by striking the outer surface of the calcaneus, and the Barré symptoms for sciatica involving altered tendon reflex sounds and muscle sensitivity.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
BARRÉ REFLEX, SYMPTOMS (Barré). The Barré reflex, or retromalleolar reflex, consists of plantar flexion of the foot caused by a light blow to the lateral surface of the calcaneus, between the lateral malleolus and the Achilles tendon. According to Barré, this reflex is more sensitive than the Achilles reflex. The Barré symptoms in diseases of the sciatic nerve consist in the facts that 1) the sound produced by tapping the Achilles tendon on the affected side becomes duller and lower, and 2) pinching the adductor muscles of the thigh on the affected side is more painful than on the healthy side.
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Cite this page
“Barré Reflex.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/barre-reflex/