Chvostek sign
Hypocalcemia facial indicator
Chvostek sign is a clinical indicator of neuromuscular irritability, typically from low calcium levels.
Tapping the facial nerve in front of the ear causes twitching of the facial muscles on that side.
The sign helps diagnose hypocalcemia and related conditions like hypoparathyroidism.
Named for Czech physician František Chvostek.
Seventh cranial pathway
- muscle twitchInvoluntary muscular contraction
- contractionReduction in size
- spasmInvoluntary muscle contraction
- motor responseBody's movement to stimulus
muscle fiber · innervation · peripheral nerve · electromyography · neurophysiology
Deficient blood mineral levels
- vitamin D deficiencyInadequate sunshine hormone levels
- electrolyte imbalanceAbnormal blood mineral levels
- tetanyMineral-induced muscle cramping
- paresthesiaAbnormal skin sensation
tingling · numbness · muscle cramps · alkalosis · endocrinology · rickets · calcium gluconate
Involuntary vocal cord closure
- stridorTurbulent airway noise
- muscle crampsInvoluntary painful tissue contractions
- convulsionsInvoluntary muscular contractions
- seizuresInvoluntary convulsions or takings
Medical evaluation of body
- clinical assessmentStructured diagnostic examination
- reflex responseUnthinking physical reaction
- physicianLicensed medical doctor
- neurological examClinical nervous system evaluation
screening · palpation · medical history · semiology · medical assessment
facial nerve
Seventh cranial pathway
- muscle twitchInvoluntary muscular contraction
- contractionReduction in size
- spasmInvoluntary muscle contraction
motor response · muscle fiber · innervation · peripheral nerve · electromyography · neurophysiology
low calcium
Deficient blood mineral levels
- vitamin D deficiencyInadequate sunshine hormone levels
- electrolyte imbalanceAbnormal blood mineral levels
- tetanyMineral-induced muscle cramping
paresthesia · tingling · numbness · muscle cramps · alkalosis · endocrinology · rickets · calcium gluconate
laryngospasm
Involuntary vocal cord closure
- stridorTurbulent airway noise
- muscle crampsInvoluntary painful tissue contractions
- convulsionsInvoluntary muscular contractions
physical examination
Medical evaluation of body
- clinical assessmentStructured diagnostic examination
- reflex responseUnthinking physical reaction
- physicianLicensed medical doctor
neurological exam · screening · palpation · medical history · semiology · medical assessment
- deficiency symptomsscurvy, beriberi, pellagra, anemia, goiter
- Clinical SignsKussmaul breathing, raccoon eyes, clubbing, barrel chest, port wine stain
- calcium biologycalcium influx, calcium deficiency, calcium supplements, hypercalcemia, hypocalcemia