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De Musset's sign
System: Heart & Circulation Signs · All heart & circulation signs
What it is — and how it is elicited
A visible bobbing of the head in time with each heartbeat.
What a positive finding suggests
Associated with significant aortic regurgitation.
◈ Behind the name
Named after Alfred de Musset (1810–1857), the French poet, in whom his brother noticed the sign; de Musset had aortic regurgitation.
Related signs — Heart & Circulation Signs
Browse the D section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.
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.