Westphalian Symptom Tabetic

Westphal's symptom tabetic (f.o. westphal) is one of the symptoms of tabetic ataxia. It lies in the fact that when quickly moving the gaze from one object to another, nystagmus is observed. This symptom occurs due to damage to the nuclei of the oculomotor nerves.

Nystagmus with Westphalian tabetic symptom is usually horizontal, pendulum-shaped. It appears at the moment of rapid eye movement and fades when the gaze is fixed. This distinguishes it from other forms of nystagmus.

This symptom is characteristic of the late stages of syphilitic damage to the spinal cord. It indicates the development of tabetic ataxia and may be one of its first signs.

Thus, the Westphalian tabetic symptom is an important diagnostic sign that allows one to suspect and identify tabetic ataxia in the early stages. Its presence requires examination of the patient to clarify the diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment.