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Abdominal reflexes

System: Neurological Signs · All neurological signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

Stroking the skin of each quadrant of the abdomen normally makes the underlying muscles contract and the navel move toward the stimulus; the response may be reduced or absent.

What a positive finding suggests

Loss of the reflexes is associated with corticospinal lesions, but also commonly with obesity, pregnancy and previous abdominal surgery.

Related signs — Neurological Signs

Argyll Robertson pupilBabinski signBattle's signBeevor's signBrisk jaw jerkBrudzinski's neck sign

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Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.