Chop sign意思

"Chop sign" is a term used in medicine, particularly in the field of neurology, to describe a clinical finding observed during the examination of a patient's upper extremities. It refers to a pattern of weakness or paralysis where the patient is unable to lift the affected arm off the examination table when asked to do so. Instead, the patient uses the opposite arm to push or "chop" the affected arm up, as if cutting through the air or the table.

This sign is often associated with a lesion in the corticobulbar or corticospinal tracts, which are responsible for voluntary movements. It can be a manifestation of various neurological conditions, including stroke, multiple sclerosis, or other disorders that affect the brain's ability to control muscle movements.

The chop sign is considered a useful clinical indicator of upper motor neuron dysfunction, which is characterized by weakness, spasticity, and hyperactive reflexes. It is one of several such signs, including the Babinski sign, that can help physicians in diagnosing and managing neurological diseases.