Hoover's sign

The involuntary extension of the apparently weak leg at the hip when the patient is asked to flex the contralateral hip against resistance. Preserved involuntary hip extension despite apparent voluntary weakness suggests intact corticospinal motor pathways and is consistent with functional neurological weakness rather than structural motor pathway disease.

Associated conditions

• Functional limb weakness

• Functional neurological disorder (conversion disorder)

• Structural neurological disorders (typically associated with a negative test)

  • Stroke

  • Multiple sclerosis

  • Spinal cord injury

  • Brain tumor

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

  • Peripheral neuropathy

  • Radiculopathy

• Other causes of lower limb weakness

  • Myopathy

  • Neuromuscular junction disorders

  • Pain-limited weakness

  • Musculoskeletal disorders affecting the lower extremity