The word "Ziehen test" is a term used in medicine to refer to a neurological examination that tests for nerve root irritation or compression. The phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈtsiːən tɛst/. The "Ziehen" part is pronounced with a "ts" sound, represented by the phoneme /ts/. The "ie" is pronounced as a long "ee" sound, /iː/. The "h" is silent, and the "en" at the end produces the nasal vowel sound /ən/. The word "test" is pronounced with a soft "t" sound, represented by the phoneme /t/, followed by the short "e" sound, /ɛ/, and finally the "st" is pronounced with an unvoiced "s" sound, /st/.
The "Ziehen test" is a medical diagnostic procedure used to assess the integrity and functionality of the lumbar spinal nerves in the lower back. The test primarily focuses on detecting signs of nerve root compression, specifically the irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve or its branches.
During the Ziehen test, the patient is positioned lying on their back or sitting upright. The examiner then applies gentle traction to the patient's affected leg, pulling it gently in the opposite direction of the pain being experienced. This action aims to elongate the sciatic nerve, which in turn increases tension on the involved nerve roots.
The patient is instructed to report any sensation changes or increase in pain during the traction. The Ziehen test is considered positive if the patient experiences radiating pain down the leg or if any neurological symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness, are exacerbated during the procedure.
A positive Ziehen test often indicates the presence of a herniated disc, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, or other conditions that cause nerve root compression in the lumbar spine. It is an important clinical tool for assessing the severity and location of the nerve compression, providing valuable information for treatment planning and further diagnostic investigations. However, it is essential to interpret the results of the Ziehen test in conjunction with other clinical findings and imaging studies to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of the underlying condition.
For mental disease; the patient is asked to explain the difference between certain contrasted objects, such as water and ice, child and dwarf, horse and ox, etc.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.