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Lasègue's sign

System: Neurological Signs · All neurological signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

Raising the patient's straightened leg while they lie on their back reproduces radiating pain down the leg — the straight leg raise test.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with irritation of the sciatic nerve roots, most often from a prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc.

◈ Behind the name

Charles Lasègue (1816–1883), French physician.

Related signs — Neurological Signs

Abdominal reflexesArgyll Robertson pupilBabinski signBattle's signBeevor's signBrisk jaw jerk

Browse the L 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.