Statistical control studies in neurology. VII. The Oppenheim sign.

Abstract

In view of the rather meager body of data concerning the incidence of the Oppenheim sign, two large groups, one of patients and one of healthy people, were studied to determine the frequency and significance of this sign. Oppenheim 1 described the sign in 1902. The technique employed by him consisted of vigorous stroking of the inner aspect of the leg along the posterior edge of the tibia with the handle of the percussion hammer, beginning just below the knee and ending at the ankle. In healthy people no movement or a plantar flexion of the big toe, and sometimes of all the toes, was produced. In affections of the pyramidal tract there was dorsiflexion of the big toe and sometimes of all the toes. Oppenheim examined 76 patients with neurasthenia, hysteria, hemicrania, tic convulsif , and similar affections. No dorsiflexion of the big toe was demonstrated. In only two instances,