Gowers' Symptom

Neurology, Ophthalmology

Also known as: Gowers' sign

Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.

Gowers' symptom is a rare clinical sign characterized by the paradoxical dilation of the pupil when exposed to light. Historically, it was noted in cases of syphilitic brain disease and as an early indicator of tabes dorsalis.

Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)

GOWERS' SYMPTOM (Gowers) consists of a paradoxical dilation of the pupil upon illumination; it is observed in syphilitic diseases of the brain and as an early symptom of tabes dorsalis (very rarely).

Cite this page

“Gowers' Symptom.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/gowers-symptom/