Emergency Medical Minute
Episode 949: Hoover's Sign
Mar 24, 2025
Discover the intriguing method of Hoover's Sign, a physical exam techique that distinguishes between organic and functional leg weakness. Learn how it works and its impressive diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Delve into the fascinating world of neurological disorders and the role of brain signaling in functional neurologic dysfunction. Plus, explore a fun fact about the pulmonary Hoover’s Sign related to COPD, adding depth to your understanding of these critical assessments in medical practice.
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Quick takeaways
- Hoover's sign is a key physical exam maneuver that differentiates between organic and functional leg weakness based on patient response during testing.
- Effective communication of positive Hoover's sign findings is crucial for interdisciplinary collaboration and informed patient care management strategies.
Deep dives
Understanding the Hoover Sign
The Hoover sign is a clinical assessment technique used to evaluate lower extremity weakness in patients. When assessing a patient's ability to move their legs, clinicians place their hands under both ankles while the patient attempts to raise one leg. If there is no movement of the contralateral leg when the patient tries to lift one leg, this indicates a positive Hoover sign, suggesting that the weakness may be of a functional origin rather than neurological. Although the test lacks sensitivity, it is known for its high specificity, making it a valuable tool in differential diagnosis.
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