Beevor's sign
System: Neurological Signs · All neurological signs
What it is — and how it is elicited
When a patient lying on their back lifts their head, the navel (umbilicus) moves upward, showing weakness of the lower abdominal muscles.
What a positive finding suggests
Associated with spinal cord lesions around the T10 level and with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.
◈ Behind the name
Charles Edward Beevor (1854–1908), British neurologist.
Related signs — Neurological Signs
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Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.