Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Hoffmann's sign
Introduction
The Hoffmann’s sign, named after the German neurologist, Johann Hoffmann (born 1857, Rheinhesse; died 1919, Heidelberg), is a finding elicited by a reflex test which verifies the presence or absence of problems in the corticospinal tract. It is also known as the finger flexor reflex.
The test involves tapping the nail or flicking the terminal phalanx of the third or fourth finger. A positive response is seen with flexion of the terminal phalanx of the thumb.
Relation to Babinski sign
Relation to Babinski sign
Hoffmann’s sign is often considered the upper limb equivalent of the Babinski’s sign[1] because it, like the Babinski sign, indicates upper motor neuron dysfunction.[2] Mechanistically, it differs considerably from the Babinski or plantar reflex; Hoffmann’s sign involves a monosynaptic reflex pathway in Rexed lamina IX of the spinal cord, normally fully inhibited by descending input. The pathways involved in the plantar reflex are more complicated, and different sorts of lesions may interrupt them. This fact has led some neurologists to reject strongly any analogies between the finger flexor reflex and the plantar response.
References
References
- ↑ Harrop JS, Hanna A, Silva MT, Sharan A (2007). “Neurological manifestations of cervical spondylosis: an overview of signs, symptoms, and pathophysiology”. Neurosurgery. 60 (1 Supp1 1): S14–20. doi:10.1227/01.NEU.0000215380.71097.EC. PMID 17204875.
- ↑ New York University School of Medicine. Deep Tendon Reflexes. URL: http://endeavor.med.nyu.edu/neurosurgery/reflexes.html. Accessed November 27, 2005.
External links
External links
- Cervical Spondylosis: Diagnosis and Management – emedicine.com
- Hoffmann sign – Stedman’s Dictionary
- Template:WhoNamedIt
- [2] link of the exam performed with a positive Hoffman’s sign
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]