Jul 11, 2014
Chvostek Sign -- when the facial nerve is tapped at the angle of the jaw, the ipsilateral facial mm will momentarily contract; signifies existing nerve hyperexcitability (tetany) seen in hypocalcemia
Trousseau Sign -- a BP cuff is placed around the armm, inflated to a pressure greater than systolic BP and held in place for 3 minutes, occluding the brachial artery. positive if spasm of the mm of the hand and forearm (flexion of wrist and metacarpophalageal joints, extension of DIP and PIP joints, adduction of fingers); signifies hypocalcemia; more sensitive than Chvostek sign