What is the Trousseau sign?

What is the Trousseau sign?

• A. Wrist spasms after cuff inflation
• B. Facial droop
• C. Numbness of fingers
• D. Dizziness during cuff inflation

Answer: (A)

Trousseau sign shows neuromuscular irritability from hypocalcemia. It’s tested by inflating a blood pressure cuff on the upper arm above the systolic pressure for several minutes; if the hand goes into a carpopedal spasm—wrist and finger contractions—that’s a positive sign. This spindle of events is what the choice “wrist spasms after cuff inflation” describes, and it directly reflects the limb muscle response to ischemia in the setting of low calcium. Other signs like facial droop, numbness of the fingers, or dizziness during cuff inflation aren’t specific to this test and don’t indicate Trousseau sign.

Trousseau sign shows neuromuscular irritability from hypocalcemia. It’s tested by inflating a blood pressure cuff on the upper arm above the systolic pressure for several minutes; if the hand goes into a carpopedal spasm—wrist and finger contractions—that’s a positive sign. This spindle of events is what the choice “wrist spasms after cuff inflation” describes, and it directly reflects the limb muscle response to ischemia in the setting of low calcium. Other signs like facial droop, numbness of the fingers, or dizziness during cuff inflation aren’t specific to this test and don’t indicate Trousseau sign.