What Does a Positive Hoffman's Sign Mean? #shorts

Dr. Gretchen Hawley PT, DPT, MSCS
Dr. Gretchen Hawley PT, DPT, MSCS
4,070
0
Published 2024-02-12
Hoffman’s sign is an involuntary movement of the thumb or index finger in response to flicking or tapping the middle finger, most often used for identifying upper motor neuron disorders.

While a positive Hoffman’s sign can indicate multiple sclerosis, it doesn’t necessarily prove you have MS. Other conditions that can also cause a positive Hoffman’s sign include:

- Amtitriophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Anxiety
- Hyperthyroidism
- Spinal cord injury
- Tumors
All Comments (8)
  • @DoctorGretchenHawley
    Hoffman’s sign is an involuntary movement of the thumb or index finger in response to flicking or tapping the middle finger, most often used for identifying upper motor neuron disorders. While a positive Hoffman’s sign can indicate multiple sclerosis, it doesn’t necessarily prove you have MS. Other conditions that can also cause a positive Hoffman’s sign include: - Amtitriophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) - Anxiety - Hyperthyroidism - Spinal cord injury - Tumors
  • @charleneclark5336
    None of my neurologists ever did test on me. They did the pin prick, the strength and tapping the knees. I will try that test
  • @merjakangas3355
    Never been checked in this way. It's like Babinskis sign, but in a hand, not foot. 🦶
  • @kayleenkrolikowski7442
    MS -35 years. I do not recall this test ..ever. MRIs and spinal tap. Were the tests for original diagnosis. Along with reflexes, and motor skills tests, toe standing etc. tests with fingers and hands for coordination and dexterity and sensation. But i do not recal this one.
  • @kevineeverhart7869
    So the test shown here is negative? I've never seen this test,, but I haven't had the opportunity to work with many PT. Thank you forever.
  • @SwearMY
    Just had it done by my neurologist, and it was positive. More tests to see what's the cause.