Chvos·tek's sign (vô st ks,   -vô-)n. An indication of tetany in which a unilateral spasm of the oris muscle is initiated by a slight tap over the facial nerve anterior to the external auditory canal. |
Chvostek's sign, Chvostek-Weiss sign
[khvôsh′teks]
Etymology: Franz Chvostek, Austrian surgeon, 1835-1884
an abnormal spasm of the facial muscles elicited by light taps on the cheek to stimulate the facial nerve in patients who are hypocalcemic. It is a sign of tetany. Checking for this sign is especially important after thyroid or parathyroid surgery.
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