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Woltman's sign is a medical symptom named after American neurologist Henry Woltman. It is characterized by a delay in the relaxation phase of the Achilles reflex test, often observed in patients with hypothyroidism.

Overview

The Achilles reflex test is a procedure performed by medical professionals to assess the functionality of the S1 and S2 nerves in the spinal cord. The test involves a gentle strike to the Achilles tendon using a reflex hammer. In a healthy individual, this strike will cause an immediate contraction of the calf muscle, followed by a quick relaxation.

In patients with hypothyroidism, the relaxation phase is noticeably delayed. This phenomenon is known as Woltman's sign. It is not exclusive to hypothyroidism and can be observed in other conditions that affect nerve conduction.

Clinical Significance

Woltman's sign is a valuable diagnostic tool in the field of endocrinology. It is particularly useful in diagnosing hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones.

The presence of Woltman's sign, along with other symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance, can strongly suggest a diagnosis of hypothyroidism. However, it is not a definitive diagnostic criterion and further tests, such as thyroid function tests, are required to confirm the diagnosis.

See Also

• Hypothyroidism
• Achilles reflex
• Endocrinology
• Henry Woltman

References

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