Chvostek sign

The Chvostek sign is a clinical sign of existing nerve hyperexcitability ( tetany ). The Chvostek sign is tested by tapping the facial nerve strain, 1-2 cm anterior to the ear lobe. In subsequent contraction of the facial muscles, the Chvostek 's sign is positive.

The simple way of testing makes the Chvostek sign to an exploratory research method in suspected hypocalcemia (calcium deficiency), for example, following surgery to the thyroid gland. In these operations, there is a risk of damage to or accidental removal of the parathyroid glands. Thus, a so-called hypoparathyroidism can be formed, which is accompanied, among others, with a calcium deficiency.

Named the character after the Austrian physician Franz Chvostek 's ( 1835-1884 ).

Another clinical sign resulting from a tetany is the Trousseau sign.