![Hoover’s sign Hoover’s sign](https://www.tekportal.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/hoovers-sign.png)
Hoover’s sign [hōō′vərz] n.
- An indication of compensatory movement in legs in which a supine individual, when asked to raise one leg, involuntarily exerts counterpressure with the heel of the opposite leg even if that leg is paralyzed, or if the individual attempts to lift a paralyzed leg, counterpressure is made with the heel of the other leg.
- An indication of a change in the contour of the diaphragm as a result of intrathoracic conditions in which movement of the costal margins of the diaphragm changes during respiration.
The American Heritage® Stedman’s Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.