Hoffmann's sign

Hoffmann's sign is a neurological examination finding that is used to assess the presence of spinal cord diseases or nerve damage. It is named after the German neurologist Friedrich Hoffmann.

Overview

Hoffmann's sign is elicited when the examiner flicks the nail of the patient's middle or ring finger. A positive response is when the thumb and index finger flex quickly and involuntarily. This is due to hyperactive reflexes, which is a sign of certain types of nerve damage, particularly those involving the corticospinal tract.

Clinical significance

Hoffmann's sign is often used in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, cervical myelopathy, and other neurological conditions. It is also used to assess the severity of nerve damage in patients with spinal cord injuries.

Limitations

While Hoffmann's sign is a useful diagnostic tool, it is not definitive. Some healthy individuals may exhibit a positive Hoffmann's sign, and some patients with nerve damage may not. Therefore, it should be used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests and not as a standalone diagnostic tool.

See also

• Babinski sign
• Neurological examination
• Spinal cord injuries

References

Hoffmann's sign Resources
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