Hoffmann's Sign
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Dr. Johann Hoffmann, a German neurologist, is credited with the discovery of the eponymous Hoffmann's sign or reflex.[1] Although his assistant, Dr. Hans Curschman is responsible for the dissemination of this finding, leading to its universal use in neurological screening today.[2]
Purpose[edit | edit source]
This test evaluates the structural and functional integrity of the corticospinal tract.
Technique[edit | edit source]
The following steps[3] should be followed while performing this test:
- Place the subject’s relaxed hand ensuring dorsiflexion at the wrist and partial flexion of the fingers.
- Hold the subject's partially extended middle finger between your index and middle finger, ensuring you stabilize the proximal IP joint.
- Perform a sharp and forceful flick of your thumb, making contact with the nail of the subject’s middle finger.
- The subject's finger will flex immediately followed by relaxation.
- The presence of Hoffman sign is characterized by flexion and adduction of the thumb and flexion of the index finger.
Interpretation[edit | edit source]
Pathological response[edit | edit source]
Response to Exercise[edit | edit source]
Psychometric properties[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ P Hoffmann. Über eine Methode, den Erfolg einer Nervennaht zu beurteilen. Medizinische Klinik, March 28, 1915b, 11 (13): 359-360.
- ↑ Bendheim, OL. "ON THE HISTORY OF HOFFMANN'S SIGN." Bulletin of the Institute of the History of Medicine 1937; 5(7): 684-86.
- ↑ DeJong’s The Neurologic Examination: Sixth edition; Lippincott Williams and Wilkins 2005, pp 495-496.
- ↑ CRTechnologies. Hoffmann's Sign Test (CR). Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_4gpNizwPg (accessed 19 August 2020)