Raschs sign, also known as the Trömner reflex or the glabellar tap reflex, is a medical sign used to test for neurologic abnormalities. The correct spelling of this term is /ˈræʃs saɪn/, with the stress on the first syllable. The letter combination "sch" is pronounced like the "sh" sound in "sheep," while the final "s" is silent. The spelling of Raschs sign follows the conventions of English phonetics and is a useful aid in proper pronunciation for medical professionals and patients alike.
Raschs sign, also known as Raschi's sign, is a medical term that refers to a symptom or clinical finding observed in patients suffering from a specific condition called hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is a neurological disorder characterized by an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain, resulting in increased pressure that can cause various symptoms.
Raschs sign is typically identified during a physical examination by a healthcare professional. It involves a palpable pulsation of the skull bones, specifically the fontanelles. Fontanelles are the soft spots found in the skull of infants and young children, where the bones haven't yet fully fused together.
Normally, during physical examination, the skull is expected to be rigid and non-pulsatile. However, in individuals with hydrocephalus, increased intracranial pressure can cause the fontanelles to pulsate rhythmically. This is the characteristic finding of Raschs sign.
The presence of Raschs sign can warrant further investigations and diagnosis of hydrocephalus. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans may be performed to confirm the presence of excessive cerebrospinal fluid and determine the underlying cause.
Raschs sign is named after the Austrian physician Viktor Rasch, who first described the clinical finding in 1891. It serves as an important diagnostic clue and can assist healthcare professionals in identifying and managing hydrocephalus in patients, particularly infants and young children.