My sister has multiple sclerosis and is slowly starting to lose her ability to function, although she’s managing ok right now. The doctor did a test called the Hoffmann test. I understand it’s just a simple thing to see if the nerves are working as they should. Can you explain it?

You’re correct, the Hoffmann sign is a very simple test that requires nothing but the doctor’s finger and the patient’s hand. To do this test, the doctor or nurse taps the patient’s nail on the third or fourth finger. Normally, nothing should happen. However, if there are problems with the neurological system, the test will be positive and the patient will involuntarily bend, or flex, the end of the thumb and index finger.

Of course, this is just one test of many that are done and diagnosis isn’t made just on the results of the Hoffmann sign.