Myerson's sign

Myerson's sign is a neurological symptom where a patient is unable to resist blinking when tapped on the bridge of the nose. This sign is often associated with Parkinson's disease and other extrapyramidal disorders.

Overview

Myerson's sign is a clinical sign in which repetitive tapping (about 2 per second) over the bridge of the nose produces a sustained blink response (glabellar tap reflex). The sign is named after the American neurologist Abraham Myerson. It is often associated with Parkinson's disease and is considered a form of hypokinesia.

Clinical significance

Myerson's sign is often used as a diagnostic tool in the evaluation of patients with suspected Parkinson's disease. It is one of the motor symptoms that may be present in the early stages of the disease. However, it is not specific to Parkinson's disease and can also be seen in other conditions such as progressive supranuclear palsy, Wilson's disease, and Huntington's disease.

Pathophysiology

The exact mechanism of Myerson's sign is not fully understood. It is thought to be due to a loss of inhibition in the brainstem reflexes, which is a characteristic feature of Parkinson's disease and other extrapyramidal disorders. The sustained blink response is believed to be due to a failure of the normal inhibitory processes in the brain that control the blink reflex.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for Myerson's sign. Treatment is directed towards the underlying condition causing the sign. In the case of Parkinson's disease, medications such as levodopa and dopamine agonists may help to reduce the severity of the sign.

See also

• Parkinson's disease
• Extrapyramidal symptoms
• Neurological examination

References

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