Hoover's sign (leg paresis)

Hoover's sign refers to a clinical sign used in the physical examination of patients with leg paresis. It is named after Charles Franklin Hoover, an American neurologist who first described the sign.

Overview

Hoover's sign is a useful clinical tool that helps distinguish between organic and functional leg paresis. It is based on the principle that when a person tries to raise one leg, the other leg pushes down onto the examining hand. If the patient has true weakness in one leg, the examiner will feel the downward pressure of the other leg. If the patient is malingering or has a conversion disorder, there will be no downward pressure.

Clinical Use

Hoover's sign is used in the physical examination of patients with suspected neurological disorders. It is particularly useful in distinguishing between organic and functional leg paresis. The sign is positive when the examiner does not feel the downward pressure of the contralateral leg when the patient attempts to raise the paretic leg. This suggests that the paresis is functional rather than organic.

Limitations

While Hoover's sign is a useful clinical tool, it is not without limitations. It requires the cooperation of the patient and may not be reliable in patients with severe pain or anxiety. Furthermore, it does not provide information about the cause of the paresis.

See Also

• Physical examination
• Neurological examination
• Conversion disorder
• Malingering

References

Hoover's sign (leg paresis) Resources
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