Each disease can be diagnosed due to the manifestation of certain symptoms. Some of the ailments known to mankind are named after the scientists who first discovered certain patterns. An example is the symptom of Khvostek. It was first described by a military therapist from Austria, Franz (according to other sources, Frantisek) Khvostek, Sr., who collaborated with another scientist, a neurologist from Germany, Friedrich Schulze. It happened in 1876. A little later, a doctor from Austria, Nathan Weiss, came to a similar description. That is why the Chvostek symptom has synonymous names: Schulze-Chvostek symptom, Weiss symptom.
The presence of manifestations of this disease in a person may be an indicator that increased muscle excitability is observed in his body.
Features of the phenomenon
This spasmophilic symptom consists in fairly rapid contractions of the muscles of the face, which appear when you hit with a special hammer in the area of the so-called crow's foot (in front of the tragus). Data actions are performed in the area between the cheekbone arch and the corner of the mouth. This is where the facial nerve passes. Attapping with a hammer in this place, instant contractions of the muscles of the mouth, nose, and also the outer corner of the eye occur.
A symptom is not always considered positive, but only when the contraction is involuntary and touches the muscles of the eyelid (in some cases, there may also be twitching of the muscles of the upper lip). To clarify the presence of a symptom, the procedure is repeated sequentially on both sides of the face.
Symptom grades
There are three degrees of manifestation, in other words, the intensity, of a given symptom, which depend on the area of \u200b\u200bit distribution.
- I degree or Tail-I. This degree is characterized by twitching of all facial muscles that are innervated by the facial nerve.
- II degree or Tail II. In this case, only the muscles of the lips, the area around the mouth and nose are reduced.
- III degree or Tail III. It is considered the mildest degree, in which you can see contractions only of those muscles that are located in the corners of the mouth.
For what diseases is the symptom positive?
This symptom can be decisive in the diagnosis of many diseases. For example, in combination with Trousseau's symptom, it indicates the development of spasmophilia.
Chvostek's symptom can be positive in many diseases.
- Tetany is a clinical syndrome characterized by increased excitability of the neuromuscular system, which is expressed by periodic convulsions. With this disease, more oftenthe symptom of Khvostek of the first degree is observed, that is, the most severe.
- Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by mycobacteria.
- Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of the nervous system.
- Anemia is a condition of the body characterized by a low level of hemoglobin in the blood.
- Functional disorders of the nervous system.
- Bell's palsy (neuritis of the facial nerve). During its recovery period, a Khvostek symptom is observed, a photo of which can be seen in this article. At this time, it is not recommended to carry out procedures that are aimed at stimulating the NS.
Chvostek's symptom in spasmophilia
Spasmophilia, or tetany, is a disease in which the Chvostek symptom is expressed in its most severe form. This disease is characterized by carpopedal spasms, that is, when the hand is bent, and the thumb is almost completely brought to the palm. Mimic muscles are very tense (the so-called titanic face). Seizures can last for several hours. In severe forms, they last 2-3 days, and are accompanied by rather painful sensations. Convulsions from the face can move to the larynx, which leads to the development of laryngospasm. If it continues for a long time, loss of consciousness may follow.
In addition, there are increased excitability, emotional lability, sleep disturbances, disorders of the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal dyskinesia (impaired tone and peristalsisorgans of the gastrointestinal tract).
The main indicator, after determining which the diagnosis is made, is a low level of calcium in the blood.
Chvostek's symptom in thyrotoxicosis
This disease is associated with an increase in the amount of thyroid hormones in the blood. The reason, as a rule, is a violation of the thyroid gland, namely, an increase in its functions.
Chvostek's symptom is typical for thyrotoxicosis of moderate severity, in other words, with its manifest form. The peculiarity of this stage lies in the detailed clinical picture, that is, symptoms can occur from almost all organs and systems, since the hormones that are produced by the thyroid gland are directly involved in all processes.
In complicated thyrotoxicosis, the symptom may be more pronounced, and irreversible changes are possible.
