Dictionary

Named signs

Signs and patterns named after the people who described them: Kussmaul, Homans, Chvostek and more.

halo signA ring of clear or pale yellow fluid around a central spot of blood when drainage dries on gauze or a sheet.

Hamman signA crunching or crackling sound heard over the heart in time with the heartbeat.

Hegar signSoftening of the lower part of the uterus, felt by the examiner in early pregnancy.

Heimlich maneuverQuick, upward thrusts into the upper abdomen to push out an object that is blocking a choking person's airway.

Homans signPain in the calf when the foot is bent sharply upward with the knee straight.

Huntington diseaseAn inherited brain disease in which certain nerve cells slowly break down over many years.

Hutchinson teethSmall, widely spaced upper front teeth that are narrow at the biting edge, with a notch in the middle.