Soviet Medical Encyclopedia

Hoesslin's Sign

Neurology, Psychiatry, Forensic Medicine

Also known as: Hoesslin's Symptom, Hösslin's Sign, Hösslin's Symptom

Historical document, translated for reference.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

Summary

Hoesslin's sign is a clinical sign used to identify hysterical or simulated paralysis. It is demonstrated when resistance applied to a paretic muscle is suddenly released, and the limb remains in its flexed position due to the active contraction of antagonist muscles.

Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)

HOESSLIN'S SIGN (Hösslin), which characterises hysterical or simulated paralysis, consists of the following: if strong resistance is applied to a paretic muscle, for example, the extensor of the lower leg, and then suddenly removed, the lower leg remains flexed due to the tension of the antagonists, with which the patient subconsciously or consciously simulates paralysis.

Cite this page

“Hoesslin's Sign.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/hoesslins-sign/