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Trousseau's sign
System: Hormone & Metabolic Signs · All hormone & metabolic signs
What it is — and how it is elicited
Inflating a blood pressure cuff on the arm above systolic pressure for about three minutes makes the hand cramp into a characteristic claw-like spasm (carpopedal spasm).
What a positive finding suggests
Associated with low blood calcium (hypocalcaemia) and increased neuromuscular excitability; more specific than Chvostek's sign.
◈ Behind the name
Armand Trousseau (1801–1867), French physician; he also described the malignancy-related clotting sign that bears his name.
Related signs — Hormone & Metabolic Signs
Browse the T 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.