Applause sign

Applause sign is a neurological symptom that is often associated with certain neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. It is characterized by the inability of a person to stop clapping after being asked to clap three times. This symptom is considered a form of perseveration, which is the repetition of a particular response, such as a word, phrase, or gesture, despite the absence or cessation of a stimulus.

Overview

The applause sign was first described in the medical literature in the late 20th century. It is a simple test that can be performed in a clinical setting to help identify certain neurological conditions. The test involves asking the patient to clap their hands three times. If the patient continues to clap beyond the requested three times, this is considered a positive applause sign.

Clinical significance

The applause sign is not specific to any one disease, but it has been observed in a number of different neurological and psychiatric conditions. These include Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, and corticobasal degeneration. It has also been reported in patients with schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

In Parkinson's disease, the applause sign is thought to be related to the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the basal ganglia, a group of structures in the brain involved in the control of movement. In Alzheimer's disease, it may be related to the degeneration of the frontal lobes, which are involved in planning and executing movements.

See also

• Neurological examination
• Neurodegenerative diseases
• Parkinson's disease
• Alzheimer's disease