Oppenheim's sign

Oppenheim's sign
Synonyms
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Neurology
Symptoms	Plantar reflex
Complications	N/A
Onset	N/A
Duration	N/A
Types	N/A
Causes	Upper motor neuron lesion
Risks	N/A
Diagnosis	Neurological examination
Differential diagnosis	Babinski sign, Chaddock's sign, Gordon's sign
Prevention	N/A
Treatment
Medication	N/A
Prognosis
Frequency
Deaths	N/A

``` This template provides a structured summary of the medical condition known as Oppenheim's sign, which is a clinical sign used in neurology to assess the integrity of the corticospinal tract. It is part of the neurological examination and is related to the plantar reflex. The presence of Oppenheim's sign can indicate an upper motor neuron lesion, similar to other signs such as the Babinski sign, Chaddock's sign, and Gordon's sign. Oppenheim's sign is a medical sign often used in neurology to test for pyramidal tract dysfunction. It is named after the German neurologist Hermann Oppenheim, who first described it in 1884.

Description

The Oppenheim's sign is elicited by applying downward pressure along the medial side of the tibia. A positive sign is indicated by the involuntary flexion of the hip and knee.

Clinical significance

A positive Oppenheim's sign suggests a lesion of the corticospinal tract, often due to conditions such as multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or stroke. However, it is not specific and can be seen in other neurological disorders.

See also

• Babinski sign
• Hoffmann's sign
• Neurological examination