Libesny reflex

The Liebesny reflex is an unconditioned reflex characterized by flexion of the thumb when the palmar surface of the 5th finger is irritated. This reflex was first described by the Russian neurologist L.S. Minor in 1909 and named after his teacher, the famous German neurologist Karl Friedrich Otto Westphal.

The Liebesny reflex is a deep tendon reflex. When examining it, the doctor stretches the extensor tendons of the 5th finger, resulting in the flexion of the 1st finger. This reflex is present from birth and persists throughout life.

A weakened or absent Liebesny reflex may indicate damage to the spinal cord pathways. Therefore, the study of this reflex is an important diagnostic test when various neurological diseases are suspected.