Gowers's sign

Gowers's sign is a medical sign that indicates weakness of the proximal muscles, namely those of the lower limb. The sign describes a patient that has to use their hands and arms to "walk" up their own body from a squatting position due to lack of hip and thigh muscle strength.

History

The sign is named after the British neurologist Sir William Richard Gowers, who first described it in 1879. Gowers was a prominent figure in the field of neurology during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and his contributions to the field are still recognized today.

Clinical significance

Gowers's sign is most commonly associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, but can also be seen in other conditions that result in proximal muscle weakness such as Becker's muscular dystrophy and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. The sign is one of the most well-known clinical features of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Gowers's sign is made clinically, with the sign being positive when a patient uses their hands and arms to push up off the floor and "walk" up their own body to stand from a squatting position. This is due to the lack of muscle strength in the hips and thighs that are needed to rise from a seated position.

Treatment

The treatment for conditions that cause Gowers's sign is dependent on the underlying condition. For example, in the case of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, treatment may include physical therapy, medications, and in some cases, surgery.

See also

• Duchenne muscular dystrophy
• Becker's muscular dystrophy
• Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy
• William Richard Gowers

References

Gowers's sign Resources
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