Charles Franklin Hoover

Charles Franklin Hoover (1865–1927) was an American neurologist known for his work in the field of neurology. He is best remembered for describing Hoover's sign, a clinical sign used in the diagnosis of functional neurological disorder.

Early Life and Education

Charles Franklin Hoover was born in 1865 in America. He pursued his medical education from a reputed medical school, where he developed a keen interest in neurology.

Career

Hoover started his career as a physician and later specialized in neurology. He made significant contributions to the field, particularly in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders. His work was widely recognized and appreciated by his peers and the medical community.

Hoover's Sign

Hoover's sign is a clinical sign used in the diagnosis of functional neurological disorder. It was first described by Hoover in 1908. The sign is used to differentiate between organic and functional paralysis. When a patient with suspected functional paralysis is asked to lift the "paralyzed" leg, the contralateral leg pushes down on the examination table. This is considered a positive Hoover's sign and suggests a functional, rather than organic, cause of the paralysis.

Legacy

Hoover's contributions to neurology, particularly his description of Hoover's sign, continue to be used in clinical practice today. His work has had a lasting impact on the field and he is remembered as a pioneer in neurology.

See Also

• Neurology
• Functional neurological disorder
• Paralysis

References

• Hoover CF. A new sign for the detection of malingering and functional paresis of the lower extremities. JAMA. 1908;L(15):1118–1121.