neuro exams

[seaside]

I was just wondering .... during an exam the doctor uses his fingernail to scratch my fingernail several times rather quickly. Anyone know what this tests?

 

[olly]

Hoffman's sign: This is also similar to Babinski's but involves the hands rather than the feet. Again it tests for problems in the corticospinal tract. The test involves tapping the nail on the third or forth finger. A positive response is seen in flexion of terminal phalanx of thumb.

you may want to put these type of questions in the main forum.

 

[trfogey]

As olly said, your doctor is attempting to activate Hoffman's sign when he does this. He/she is is testing for disruption of upper motor neuron function (in your brain) to the motor nerves controlling the muscles in your hands and arms.

Don't be afraid to ask your neuro why he does odd little things like this. You can learn a lot about ALS and how it works by getting explanations for the things that neuros do during a clinical exam.

 

[seaside]

thanks Olly and trfogey