What does a deep tendon reflex score of 0 indicate?

A deep tendon reflex score of 0 indicates an absent reflex. The grading scale for deep tendon reflexes typically ranges from 0 to 4+, where 0 indicates no response at all. This can be indicative of various underlying conditions affecting the nervous system, such as neuropathy or central nervous system lesions. Absence of reflexes may also suggest issues with the spinal cord or peripheral nerves, which can lead to further evaluation and assessment in a clinical setting. Understanding the implications of absent reflexes is critical in the assessment and management of neurological conditions.