What is the Chvostek sign?

What is the Chvostek sign?

• A. Facial twitch after tapping nerve on side of head
• B. Leg numbness after tapping
• C. Arm tremor
• D. Chest pain

Answer: (A)

Chvostek sign is a sign of neuromuscular irritability from low calcium. It’s tested by tapping the facial nerve just in front of the ear; a positive sign produces a twitch of the facial muscles on the same side, especially around the mouth and eye. This occurs because low extracellular calcium increases neuronal excitability, so a light stimulus triggers muscle contraction. The result points to hypocalcemia or related electrolyte disturbances, rather than symptoms like leg numbness, arm tremor, or chest pain that aren’t elicited by tapping the facial nerve.

Chvostek sign is a sign of neuromuscular irritability from low calcium. It’s tested by tapping the facial nerve just in front of the ear; a positive sign produces a twitch of the facial muscles on the same side, especially around the mouth and eye. This occurs because low extracellular calcium increases neuronal excitability, so a light stimulus triggers muscle contraction. The result points to hypocalcemia or related electrolyte disturbances, rather than symptoms like leg numbness, arm tremor, or chest pain that aren’t elicited by tapping the facial nerve.