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Woltman's sign
System: Hormone & Metabolic Signs · All hormone & metabolic signs
What it is — and how it is elicited
The relaxation phase of a tendon reflex (most easily seen at the ankle) is noticeably slow and delayed.
What a positive finding suggests
Associated with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
◈ Behind the name
Henry William Woltman (1889–1964), American neurologist at the Mayo Clinic.
Related signs — Hormone & Metabolic Signs
Browse the W 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.