Hoffmann reflex


Hoff·mann sign

(hof'mahn), 1. in latent tetany mild mechanical stimulation of the trigeminal nerve causes severe pain; 2. flexion of the terminal phalanx of the thumb and of the second and third phalanges of one or more of the fingers when the volar surface of the terminal phalanx of the fingers is flicked. Synonym(s): digital reflex, Hoffmann reflex, snapping reflex

Hoff·mann sign

, Hoffmann reflex (hawf'mahn sīn, rē'fleks) 1. In latent tetany, mild mechanical stimulation of the trigeminal nerve causes severe pain. 2. Flexion of the terminal phalanx of the thumb and of the second and third phalanges of one or more of the fingers when the volar surface of the terminal phalanx of the fingers is flicked.
Synonym(s): digital reflex.

Hoffmann reflex

An abnormal reflex found in patients with damaged pyramidal tracts of the brain. Flexion of the distal interphalangeal joint of the middle finger makes the thumb of the same hand flex and adduct. Synonym: Hoffmann signSee also: Hoffmann, Johann

Hoffmann,

Johann, German neurologist, 1857-1919. Hoffmann muscular atrophy - progressive dysfunction of the anterior horn cells in the spinal cord and brainstem cranial nerves. Synonym(s): infantile spinal muscular atrophyHoffmann phenomenon - excessive irritability of the sensory nerves to electrical or mechanical stimuli in tetany.Hoffmann reflex - Synonym(s): Hoffmann signHoffmann sign - in latent tetany, mild mechanical stimulation of the trigeminal nerve causes severe pain. Synonym(s): Hoffmann reflexWerdnig-Hoffmann disease - Synonym(s): Werdnig-Hoffmann muscular atrophyWerdnig-Hoffmann muscular atrophy - see under Werdnig