Westphal's sign
Westphal's sign
Westphal's sign (/wɛstfɑːlz saɪn/; named after German neurologist Karl Friedrich Otto Westphal) is a clinical sign in neurology, specifically in the examination of the knee jerk reflex. It is characterized by the absence or decrease of this reflex, which is indicative of certain neurological conditions.
Etymology
The term "Westphal's sign" is named after Karl Friedrich Otto Westphal, a German neurologist who first described the sign. Westphal is also known for his work on various other neurological conditions and signs, including Westphal-Piltz syndrome and Westphal's pseudosclerosis.
Clinical significance
Westphal's sign is used in the clinical examination of the knee jerk reflex. This reflex is elicited by a swift tap on the patellar tendon, which normally causes the quadriceps muscle to contract and the lower leg to kick out. The absence or decrease of this reflex (Westphal's sign) can indicate damage to the central nervous system, such as in tabes dorsalis, multiple sclerosis, or Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Related terms
- Knee jerk reflex: A reflex action that causes the knee to extend.
- Central nervous system: The part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord.
- Tabes dorsalis: A form of neurosyphilis that affects the dorsal columns of the spinal cord.
- Multiple sclerosis: A chronic disease that affects the central nervous system, causing a wide range of symptoms.
- Guillain-Barré syndrome: A rare neurological disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the nerves.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Westphal's sign
- Wikipedia's article - Westphal's sign
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