Hysterical Gait with Organic Signs

Abstract

a girl, aged 12, was observed one year ago to be walking peculiarly. Inability to use left band properly noticed about same time. Both disabilities have increased gradually since. Nothing of interest in past history. Family History.-Father suicide. Otherwise clear. Present Condition.-Cranial nerves: slight weakness of left lower face otherwise normal. Tone and deep reflexes increased in left upper limb. Latter retarded in development-arm, forearm and hand being smaller than on right side (about 1 in. of total shortening). Fine tremor of both hands. Abdominal reflexes present and equal. Tone and deep reflexes increased in left lower limb. Plantar reflex flexor. Slight weakness of extensor muscles of left foot. No tremor. There is half an inch shortening of left leg. Left side of face is smaller than right. Navus in right fronto-temporal region. No sensory changes; sphincters normal. Gait.-Sways to left as if tending to fall in that direction, and suggests that of a slight left hemiplegia.