Hoffmann's sign
Hoffmann's Sign
Hoffmann's Sign (pronounced: Hoff-man's Sign) is a neurological clinical sign that is used to test the function of the cervical spinal cord and cerebral cortex. It is named after the German neurologist Johann Hoffmann.
Etymology
The term "Hoffmann's Sign" is derived from the name of its discoverer, Johann Hoffmann, a renowned German neurologist who first described the sign in 1911.
Definition
Hoffmann's Sign is a clinical sign that is elicited during a neurological examination. It is a type of reflex that is triggered when the distal phalanx of the third or fourth finger is flicked downward. A positive Hoffmann's Sign is indicated by a reflexive flexion of the thumb and/or index finger.
Clinical Significance
A positive Hoffmann's Sign can indicate damage or compression of the cervical spinal cord, or the presence of a neurological disorder such as multiple sclerosis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. However, it is not a definitive diagnostic tool and should be used in conjunction with other clinical findings and diagnostic tests.
Related Terms
- Neurological Examination: A series of tests conducted by a neurologist to assess the function of the nervous system.
- Reflex: An involuntary and nearly instantaneous movement in response to a stimulus.
- Multiple Sclerosis: A chronic disease that affects the central nervous system, causing problems with balance, speech, and movement.
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hoffmann's sign
- Wikipedia's article - Hoffmann's sign
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