Value of equivocal signs in neurologic diagnosis

Abstract

Equivocal neurological signs, those which suggest neuropathology but are slight and inconsistent, are discussed in relationship to the central nervous system. Testing 65 control subjects and 123 patients, hospitalized because of behavioral disturbances, revealed a positive correlation existing between clinical diagnosis of organic defect, behavioral pattern, psychological findings and the equivocal signs. Bilaterally unequal deep reflexes, equivocal Babinski, intention tremor, hyperactivity and athetoid movements are neurological deviations which occur more frequently and are more strongly related to organic defects. Reading disability does not show marked correlation with neurologic deviation while low intellegience testing does with both neurologic deviation and organic brain disorders. Equivocal signs are not related to simple motor or sensory function but to areas in the central nervous system which are involved in integration of complex neurological function.