Hoffmann reflex (superficial)

The median nerve acts as both the afferent and the efferent pathway, and the spinal root is C5-6.

  • Hook your index finger around the patient’s middle finger.
  • Ask the patient to allow their hand to hang down from your finger in a relaxed manner.
  • Now lightly tap the fingernail of the flexed terminal phalanx of the middle finger [Figure 83].
  • Look for flexion of the thumb and index finger. This sign is usually absent.

Figure 83

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