How does the Khvostek symptom manifest itself?

Each disease can be diagnosed by the manifestation of certain symptoms. Some of the ailments known to mankind are named after scientists who were the first to discover certain patterns. An example can serve as a symptom of Khvostek. For the first time he was described by the military therapist from Austria Franz (by other sources Frantisek) Khvostek, Sr., who cooperated with another scientist, a neurologist from Germany, Friedrich Schulze. It happened in 1876. A little later, a doctor from Austria Nathan Weiss came to a similar description. That is why the symptom of Khvostek has synonyms: the Schulze-Khvostek symptom, the Weiss symptom.

The presence of manifestations of this ailment in a person can be an indicator that in his body there is increased muscular excitability.

Features of the phenomenon

This spasmophilic symptom is a rather rapid contraction of the facial muscles, which are manifested if you tap a special hammer in the area of the so-called crow's foot (in front of the tragus). Actions data are produced in the area between the arch of the cheekbone and the corner of the mouth. It is here that the facial nerve passes . When you tap the hammer in this place, instant contractions of the muscles of the mouth, nose, and the outer corner of the eye occur.

The symptom is not always considered positive, but only when the contraction is involuntary and affects the muscles of the eyelid (in some cases, the muscles of the upper lip may also be twitching). To clarify the presence of the symptom, the procedure is repeated sequentially on both sides of the face.

The degree of manifestation of a symptom

There are three degrees of manifestation, in other words, the intensity of the given symptom, which depend on the area of its distribution.

1. I degree or Khvostek-I. For this degree, the twitching of all the facial muscles that are innervated by the facial nerve is characteristic.
2. II degree or Khvostek II. In this case, only the musculature of the lips, the area around the mouth and nose, is reduced.
3. III degree or Khvostek III. It is considered the easiest degree, at which you can see the contractions of only those muscles that are located in the corners of the mouth.

At what diseases is the symptom positive?

This sign can become decisive in the diagnosis of many diseases. For example, in combination with the Tricso symptom, it indicates the development of spasmophilia.

The symptom of the tail can be positive in many diseases.

1. Aetania is a clinical syndrome characterized by increased excitability of the neuromuscular system, which is expressed by periodic convulsions. With this disease, the most common symptom is the first-degree Khvostek, that is, the most severe.
2. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by mycobacteria.
3. Epilepsy - a violation of the nervous system, which is chronic.
4. Anemia is a condition of the body, which is characterized by a low level of hemoglobin in the blood.
5. Functional disorders of the nervous system.
6. Bell's paralysis (neuritis of the facial nerve). In the recovery period, a symptom of Khvostek is observed, the photo of which can be seen in this article. At this time, procedures that are aimed at stimulation of the NS are not recommended.

Symptom of the tail with spasmophilia

Spasmophilia, or tetany, is a disease in which the symptom of Khvostek is expressed in its most severe form. This ailment is characterized by carpopedic spasms, that is, when the hand is bent, and the thumb is almost completely brought to the palm. Mimic muscles are very tense (the so-called titanic face). Seizures can last for several hours. In severe forms, they last 2 - 3 days, and are accompanied by rather painful sensations. Seizures from the face can go to the larynx, which leads to the development of laryngospasm. With prolonged continuation, a loss of consciousness may follow.

In addition, there are increased excitability, emotional lability, sleep disorders, cardiovascular disorders, gastrointestinal dyskinesia (impaired tone and peristalsis of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract).

The main indicator, after the determination of which the diagnosis is made, is a lowered level of calcium in the blood.

Symptom of the tail in thyrotoxicosis

This disease is associated with an increase in the amount of thyroid hormones in the blood. The cause, as a rule, are violations of the thyroid gland, namely, the strengthening of its functions.

The symptom of Khvostek is typical for thyrotoxicosis of moderate severity, in other words, with its manifest form. The peculiarity of this stage lies in the unfolded clinical picture, that is, the symptoms can arise from almost all organs and systems, since the hormones that are produced by the thyroid gland take a direct part in all processes.

With complicated thyrotoxicosis, the symptom may be more pronounced, and irreversible changes are possible.