Macewen's sign
Macewen's sign is a clinical sign which indicates the presence of hydrocephalus, brain abscess or meningitis. It is named after Sir William Macewen, a Scottish surgeon.
Definition[edit | edit source]
Macewen's sign is a clinical sign in which there is a peculiar hollow sound on percussion over a skull affected by hydrocephalus, brain abscess or meningitis. This is due to the thinning of the skull bone in these conditions.
Clinical significance[edit | edit source]
Macewen's sign is used in the diagnosis of hydrocephalus, brain abscess and meningitis. It is a valuable tool in the early detection of these conditions, especially in children. The sign is not specific and can be found in other conditions such as chronic subdural hematoma.
History[edit | edit source]
The sign is named after Sir William Macewen, a Scottish surgeon who described it in the late 19th century. Macewen was a pioneer in neurosurgery and his work on the brain and spinal cord has had a lasting impact on the field of neurology.
See also[edit | edit source]
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