Westphal's sign: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Patellar-knee-reflex.png| | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Westphal's sign | |||
| image = [[File:Patellar-knee-reflex.png|250px]] | |||
| caption = Demonstration of the patellar reflex | |||
| field = [[Neurology]] | |||
| symptoms = Absence or decrease of the [[patellar reflex]] | |||
| causes = [[Neurological disorder]], [[spinal cord injury]], [[peripheral neuropathy]] | |||
| diagnosis = Clinical examination | |||
| differential = [[Hyporeflexia]], [[areflexia]] | |||
| treatment = Depends on underlying cause | |||
| prognosis = Varies based on cause | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
'''Westphal's sign''' is a clinical indicator used in [[neurology]] to assess the integrity of the [[nervous system]]. It is specifically associated with the absence or diminution of the [[patellar reflex]], also known as the knee-jerk reflex. This sign is named after the German neurologist [[Carl Friedrich Otto Westphal]], who first described it. | |||
==Clinical Significance== | ==Clinical Significance== | ||
Westphal's sign is an important diagnostic tool in the evaluation of [[neurological disorders]]. The absence of the patellar reflex can indicate a lesion or dysfunction in the [[central nervous system]] or the [[peripheral nervous system]]. It is often observed in conditions such as [[tabes dorsalis]], a form of [[neurosyphilis]], and other diseases affecting the [[spinal cord]]. | Westphal's sign is an important diagnostic tool in the evaluation of [[neurological disorders]]. The absence of the patellar reflex can indicate a lesion or dysfunction in the [[central nervous system]] or the [[peripheral nervous system]]. It is often observed in conditions such as [[tabes dorsalis]], a form of [[neurosyphilis]], and other diseases affecting the [[spinal cord]]. | ||
==Mechanism== | ==Mechanism== | ||
The patellar reflex is a monosynaptic reflex arc that involves the [[L2]], [[L3]], and [[L4]] segments of the [[spinal cord]]. When the patellar tendon is tapped, it stretches the [[quadriceps femoris muscle]], which in turn sends a signal via the [[femoral nerve]] to the spinal cord. The response is a contraction of the quadriceps muscle, resulting in the extension of the leg. Westphal's sign indicates a disruption in this reflex arc. | The patellar reflex is a monosynaptic reflex arc that involves the [[L2]], [[L3]], and [[L4]] segments of the [[spinal cord]]. When the patellar tendon is tapped, it stretches the [[quadriceps femoris muscle]], which in turn sends a signal via the [[femoral nerve]] to the spinal cord. The response is a contraction of the quadriceps muscle, resulting in the extension of the leg. Westphal's sign indicates a disruption in this reflex arc. | ||
==Associated Conditions== | ==Associated Conditions== | ||
Westphal's sign can be observed in various neurological conditions, including: | Westphal's sign can be observed in various neurological conditions, including: | ||
| Line 14: | Line 25: | ||
* [[Multiple sclerosis]] | * [[Multiple sclerosis]] | ||
* [[Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]] | * [[Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]] | ||
==Diagnostic Procedure== | ==Diagnostic Procedure== | ||
To test for Westphal's sign, a clinician will use a reflex hammer to tap the patellar tendon while the patient is seated with their legs dangling. The absence or reduction of the knee-jerk response is noted as a positive Westphal's sign. | To test for Westphal's sign, a clinician will use a reflex hammer to tap the patellar tendon while the patient is seated with their legs dangling. The absence or reduction of the knee-jerk response is noted as a positive Westphal's sign. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
Carl Friedrich Otto Westphal first described this sign in the late 19th century. His work contributed significantly to the understanding of reflexes and their role in diagnosing neurological conditions. | Carl Friedrich Otto Westphal first described this sign in the late 19th century. His work contributed significantly to the understanding of reflexes and their role in diagnosing neurological conditions. | ||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
* [[Patellar reflex]] | * [[Patellar reflex]] | ||
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* [[Tabes dorsalis]] | * [[Tabes dorsalis]] | ||
* [[Carl Friedrich Otto Westphal]] | * [[Carl Friedrich Otto Westphal]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
{{Commons category|}} | {{Commons category|}} | ||
[[Category:Neurology]] | [[Category:Neurology]] | ||
[[Category:Reflexes]] | [[Category:Reflexes]] | ||
[[Category:Medical signs]] | [[Category:Medical signs]] | ||
[[Category:Symptoms and signs: Nervous and musculoskeletal systems]] | [[Category:Symptoms and signs: Nervous and musculoskeletal systems]] | ||
{{medicine-stub}} | {{medicine-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 07:09, 6 April 2025
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| Westphal's sign | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Absence or decrease of the patellar reflex |
| Complications | N/A |
| Onset | N/A |
| Duration | N/A |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Neurological disorder, spinal cord injury, peripheral neuropathy |
| Risks | N/A |
| Diagnosis | Clinical examination |
| Differential diagnosis | Hyporeflexia, areflexia |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Depends on underlying cause |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Varies based on cause |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Westphal's sign is a clinical indicator used in neurology to assess the integrity of the nervous system. It is specifically associated with the absence or diminution of the patellar reflex, also known as the knee-jerk reflex. This sign is named after the German neurologist Carl Friedrich Otto Westphal, who first described it.
Clinical Significance[edit]
Westphal's sign is an important diagnostic tool in the evaluation of neurological disorders. The absence of the patellar reflex can indicate a lesion or dysfunction in the central nervous system or the peripheral nervous system. It is often observed in conditions such as tabes dorsalis, a form of neurosyphilis, and other diseases affecting the spinal cord.
Mechanism[edit]
The patellar reflex is a monosynaptic reflex arc that involves the L2, L3, and L4 segments of the spinal cord. When the patellar tendon is tapped, it stretches the quadriceps femoris muscle, which in turn sends a signal via the femoral nerve to the spinal cord. The response is a contraction of the quadriceps muscle, resulting in the extension of the leg. Westphal's sign indicates a disruption in this reflex arc.
Associated Conditions[edit]
Westphal's sign can be observed in various neurological conditions, including:
- Tabes dorsalis
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Multiple sclerosis
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Diagnostic Procedure[edit]
To test for Westphal's sign, a clinician will use a reflex hammer to tap the patellar tendon while the patient is seated with their legs dangling. The absence or reduction of the knee-jerk response is noted as a positive Westphal's sign.
History[edit]
Carl Friedrich Otto Westphal first described this sign in the late 19th century. His work contributed significantly to the understanding of reflexes and their role in diagnosing neurological conditions.
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
<references group="" responsive="1"></references>
External Links[edit]
