Symptom

Hoffman's sign

A neurological test in which flicking the distal phalanx of the middle finger produces involuntary flexion or adduction of the thumb and index finger, suggesting corticospinal tract dysfunction (an upper motor neuron lesion).

Causes

  • Cervical spinal cord disorders

    • Cervical cord compression

    • Cervical spondylotic myelopathy

    • Cervical disc herniation

  • Multiple sclerosis

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

  • Vitamin B12 deficiency

  • Hyperthyroidism

  • Neurological causes

    • Stroke

    • Brain tumor

    • Traumatic spinal cord injury

    • Syringomyelia

  • Anxiety

  • Hyperreflexia in otherwise healthy individuals

Also known as: Digital reflex, Finger flexor reflex, Hoffmann reflex, Hoffmann sign, Jakobsen's sign, Snapping reflex, Tromner's sign

Referencing diagnoses

Note: Lists existing diagnoses in Diagnotize only.