Hoffmann sign

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

Hoffmann sign

(1) A rarely invoked clinical sign referring to the pain caused by trigeminal region pressure in patients with tetany. 
(2) A clinical sign of a pyramidal tract lesion, which consists of flexion of the thumb or finger(s), flexion of all fingers and thumb (Trömner sign) or flexion of toes (Rossolimo sign).

Hoffmann sign

Digital reflex, Hoffmann reflex Neurology A clinical finding in hemiplegia in which the tips of the fingers are nipped and the thumb and finger undergo a reflex flexing. See Hemiplegia.

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,

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