Magnan's sign

Magnan's Sign is a clinical sign often used in the field of neurology and psychiatry. It is named after the French psychiatrist Victor Magnan, who first described it in the late 19th century. The sign is typically associated with alcoholism and is considered a symptom of chronic alcohol abuse.

Definition

Magnan's Sign is defined as the presence of auditory hallucinations during alcohol withdrawal. These hallucinations can be simple (such as hearing non-specific noises or sounds) or complex (such as hearing voices or music). The sign is considered positive when a patient experiences these hallucinations in the absence of any other sensory stimuli.

Clinical Significance

The presence of Magnan's Sign is a strong indicator of chronic alcohol abuse and is often used in the diagnosis of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS). It is one of the many symptoms that can occur during the withdrawal phase, which also includes tremors, seizures, and delirium tremens.

See Also

• Delirium Tremens
• Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
• Victor Magnan