Chaddocks Sign

Chaddock’s Sign

Chaddock’s sign, or the external malleolar sign, is a variant method for eliciting the plantar response, by application of a stimulus in a circular direction around the external malleolus, or the lateral aspect of the foot, moving from heel to little toe. Extension of the hallux (upgoing plantar response, Babinski’s sign) is pathological, indicating corticospinal tract (upper motor neurone) pathology. The development of Babinski’s sign always predates that of Chaddock’s sign.

References

Chaddock CG. A preliminary communication concerning a new diagnostic nervous sign. Interstate Medical Journal 1911; 18: 742-746
Van Gijn J. The Babinski sign: a centenary. Utrecht: Universiteit Utrecht, 1996

Cross References

Babinski’s sign (1); Gordon’s sign; Oppenheim’s sign; Plantar response; Upper motor neurone (UMN) syndrome