The Oppenheim Test is used to detect which condition?

• A. Lower motor neuron lesion
• B. Disc herniation
• C. Upper motor neuron lesion
• D. SI joint dysfunction

Answer: (C)

The Oppenheim test assesses the integrity of the corticospinal (upper motor neuron) pathway by probing the presence or release of primitive reflexes. When you stroke the shin with a blunt object, a normal response is minimal or no toe movement. A positive sign—extension of the great toe with possible spreading of the other toes—indicates loss of inhibitory control from the corticospinal tract, i.e., an upper motor neuron lesion. This reflex pattern aligns with other UMN signs like the Babinski response. Lower motor neuron lesions typically reduce or abolish reflexes rather than producing this extensor response, and disc herniation or SI joint dysfunction don’t produce this specific primitive-reflex sign. So the test best indicates an upper motor neuron lesion.