Erb-Westphal symptom

Alternative eponyms

Related people

The most important reflex anomaly seen in tabes dorsalis.

Description

The most important reflex anomaly seen in tabes dorsalis. Absence of the knee jerk in central nervous system syphilis. This reflex anomaly is most pronounced in tabes dorsalis, but also occurs in other disturbances.

Bibliography

  • W. Erb:
    Über Sehnenreflexe bei Gesunden und bei Rückenmarkskranken.
    Archiv für Psychiatrie und Nervenkrankheiten, Berlin, 1875, 5: 792-803.
  • C. F. O. Westphal:
    Über einige durch mechanische Einwirkung auf Sehnen und Muskeln hervorgebrachte Bewegungs-Erscheinungen.
    Archiv für Psychiatrie und Nervenkrankheiten, Berlin, 1875, 5: 803-834. Gesammelte Abhandlungen. 2 volumes, Berlin, 1892.

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