Hoffmann's reflex
Hoffmann's reflex |
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Hoffmann's reflex (Hoffmann's sign, sometimes simply "Hoffmann's", also finger flexor reflex)
Procedure
The Hoffmann's reflex test itself involves loosely holding the middle finger and flicking the fingernail downward, allowing the middle finger to flick upward reflexively. A positive response is seen when there is flexion and adduction of the thumb on the same hand.[4] Eg. in hypertonia, the tips of other fingers flex and the thumb flexes and adducts.
Interpretations
A positive Hoffmann's reflex and finger jerks suggest hypertonia, but can occur in healthy individuals, and are not useful signs in isolation. In cerebellar diseases, the reflexes may be pendular, and muscle contraction and relaxation tend to be slow, but these are not sensitive or specific to cerebellar signs.[4][5]
Comparisons to Babinski sign
Hoffmann's sign is often considered the
A positive
Another significant difference between Hoffmann's reflex and the Babinski sign is their mechanism of reflex. Hoffmann's reflex is a deep tendon reflex (spindle fibre) with a monosynaptic reflex pathway in
See also
- Cervical spondylosis
References
- ^ P. Hoffmann. Über eine Methode, den Erfolg einer Nervennaht zu beurteilen. Medizinische Klinik, March 28, 1915b, 11 (13): 359-360.
- Who Named It?
- S2CID 24197649.
- ^ a b Hoffman reflex - A complete guide - MedicosNotes.com
- ISBN 9780702047299.
- S2CID 22166615.
- ^ New York University School of Medicine. Deep Tendon Reflexes. URL: http://endeavor.med.nyu.edu/neurosurgery/reflexes.html Archived 2006-10-15 at the Wayback Machine. Accessed November 27, 2005.
- PMID 21250238.
External links
- Cervical Spondylosis: Diagnosis and Management - emedicine.com
- Hoffmann sign - Stedman's Dictionary
- [1][permanent dead link] link of the exam performed with a positive Hoffman's sign