OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Understanding the Term "2+ DTRS 3 Bears Clonus Bilateral"

7/9/2025, 9:40:16 PMMale25-34

Hello! I’m a 25-year-old AFAB individual, and during a recent routine check-up, the phrase "2+ DTRS 3 bears clonus bilat" appeared in my doctor's notes. The physician didn't elaborate on it, so I'm curious about its significance. From what I've researched, "2+ DTRS" indicates that my deep tendon reflexes are functioning normally. However, I'm quite puzzled by the mention of "bears"—it definitely caught my attention!

Family MedicineInternal MedicinePreventive Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

7/9/2025, 9:40:31 PM

OpenHealth AI

The phrase "2+ DTRS 3 bears clonus bilat" can indeed sound confusing, but I’m here to clarify its meaning for you.

Main Points:

  1. 2+ DTRS: Indicates normal deep tendon reflexes.
  2. 3 bears clonus bilateral: Refers to reflexes with a specific pattern of contraction and relaxation.

Explanation:

  • Deep Tendon Reflexes (DTRs): A rating of "2+" signifies that your reflexes are functioning normally. Doctors grade reflexes on a scale from 0 to 4, with 2 being typical and healthy.

  • Clonus: This term describes a series of involuntary muscular contractions and relaxations. The mention of "3 bears" isn’t a standard medical phrase but might be an abbreviation or an informal way to describe the quality of the clonus. Bilateral means that this pattern is observed on both sides of your body.

Next Steps:

  1. Monitor Your Symptoms: If you don’t have any concerning symptoms (like weakness, numbness, or coordination issues), there's usually no immediate cause for worry.

  2. Clarify with Your Doctor: It might be helpful to reach out to your healthcare provider for clarification on this note, especially regarding the term “bears.” Understanding their specific wording can ease any confusion.

  3. Keep a Record: If you notice any changes in how your reflexes work or any new symptoms, jot them down. This information can be useful for future discussions with your healthcare provider.

You're doing a great job by seeking to understand your health better! If you have more questions or need further clarification about this or any other health topic, feel free to ask.

Related Questions

Prominent Vein at the Base of the Penis

As an 18-year-old male, I’ve observed a notably large and prominent vein on the left side of my penis, close to the base. This vein appears to extend upwards and has a thickness that I'd estimate to be between half a centimeter to three-quarters of a centimeter. I experience no pain or discomfort associated with it, but I am curious as to whether this is considered normal anatomy or not.

AgingFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
9 minutes ago

Reaching Out for Guidance

Hello everyone. I've utilized chatGPT to help format this message effectively. I’m a 24-year-old male, and I recently graduated as a software engineer, feeling confident about my academic performance. However, I'm currently navigating several persistent issues that are impacting my daily life significantly. Even though I’ve succeeded academically and in my career, I often find myself making errors that seem obvious to others but completely escape me. I'm in search of both professional insights and personal experiences that could guide me in rectifying these challenges. Here’s a brief overview of what I’m encountering: **Procrastination in Decision-Making and Sluggish Responses:** I frequently experience a mental block or hesitation when faced with urgent decisions, even in circumstances where others react with ease. It feels as though my ability to process information is slower than it should be, which is particularly aggravating during critical situations. Could this hesitation indicate a possible connection to ADHD, or is it merely a signal that I need to cultivate better habits? What strategies exist to enhance my response time in dynamic settings? **Overlooking Clear Social Signals:** In a variety of social contexts, I tend to overlook straightforward cues that others seem to pick up on effortlessly. For instance, at someone else's home, while the rest of the guests remove their shoes, I sometimes remain oblivious to this etiquette and keep mine on. There have been occasions where I've inadvertently taken home the wrong shoes, only realizing it much later. This recurring issue of not catching basic social cues often leaves me feeling alienated and socially inept. Could there be an underlying issue here worth exploring? **Forgetfulness in Basic Tasks:** Just yesterday, I was instructed to fetch a basket, and even after looking around, I failed to see it — only for it to be right in front of me when others arrived. Such incidents are not isolated; I find that I frequently disregard things that are plainly in my view. Is this indicative of ADHD or a cognitive processing concern? **Confusing Words and Ideas:** When engaging in conversation, I frequently jumble words or concepts despite my grasp of the topic. For example, during a discussion about "Subject A," I might mistakenly call it "Subject B" while still conveying details about "Subject A." This mix-up often perplexes my conversation partners, leading me to feel inadequate in my communication. Are there methods to address this, and what techniques could assist me in conveying my thoughts more effectively?

WellnessLifestyle ChangesPreventive Medicine
Male25-34
38 minutes ago

Is Nail Removal Necessary for My Condition?

I'm a 19-year-old female and recently, I noticed something concerning with my nail. The base of it turned a stark white, covering a significant portion of the nail. In response, I ended up scratching and biting it off, resulting in the loss of most of that area. Fortunately, I did not experience any bleeding or swelling, as it appears that the area beneath has either healed or become very firm. I would like to share an image for better context, but unfortunately, I'm unable to do so here. Nevertheless, I've shared it on the subreddit r/nailbiting, where you can check it out if you're interested.

SupplementsLifestyle ChangesFamily Medicine
Male25-34
39 minutes ago

Low RDW in CBC Differential: Should I Be Concerned?

In my recent Complete Blood Count (CBC) results, every parameter was within the normal range, except my Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW), which registered at 11.5%. This is slightly below the standard range of 11.6% to 15.4%. For context, I'm a 22-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 9 inches and weighing 227 pounds. Is my concern unwarranted?

WellnessFamily MedicineInternal Medicine
Male25-34
39 minutes ago

Persistent Odd Odor in Nose

At 18 years old and weighing 98 pounds, I've been experiencing an unusual odor in my nose for the last five to six days. It's difficult to articulate—it's not a scent reminiscent of smoke or anything particularly offensive, but it certainly isn't pleasant. I came across information suggesting that such sensations can occasionally be linked to serious conditions like strokes or seizures, which has left me feeling anxious and concerned for my health. In the past, I have encountered strange smells when I had COVID-19, but I don't feel unwell right now, which adds to my confusion. I'm genuinely worried about my wellbeing—should I consider consulting a healthcare professional?

WellnessFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago