Chvostek's sign

Chvostek's sign is a clinical sign that is indicative of tetany, a condition characterized by spasms in various parts of the body, caused by low levels of calcium in the blood. Named after the Austrian physician Frantisek Chvostek, this sign is a useful diagnostic tool in the field of neurology and endocrinology.

Definition

Chvostek's sign is a clinical sign of existing nerve hyperexcitability (tetany) caused by low concentrations of calcium in the blood. It refers to an abnormal reaction to the stimulation of the facial nerve. When the facial nerve is tapped at the angle of the jaw (the masseter muscle), the facial muscles on the same side of the face will contract momentarily (typically a twitch of the nose or lips) because of hypocalcemia (low calcium levels in the blood).

Clinical Significance

Chvostek's sign is most commonly checked when hypocalcemia is suspected. This condition can be due to various causes such as vitamin D deficiency, kidney disease, and parathyroid gland dysfunction. The presence of Chvostek's sign helps in the diagnosis of latent tetany. However, it is not always a reliable sign of hypocalcemia as it can be positive in healthy individuals.

History

The sign is named after Frantisek Chvostek, an Austrian physician who first described it in 1876. Chvostek was a pioneer in the field of neurology and his work contributed significantly to the understanding of neuromuscular disorders.

See Also

• Trousseau's sign
• Hypocalcemia
• Tetany
• Frantisek Chvostek

References

• Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs in hypocalcemia. Practical Neurology. 2017.
• Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. Butterworths. 1990.