Slow Relaxation of Ankle Reflex (Woltman’s Sign), Prakash C. Malshe

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Hypothyroidism causes swelling, constipation, cold intolerance, bradycardia, dry skin, hoarse voice, and slow relaxation of ankle jerks. Hypothyroid individuals can not convert beta carotene into Vitamin A and if the individual is vegetarean, fetures of Vitamin A deficiency can also be found. In this case follicular hyperkeratosis is due to vitamin A deficiency. Bradycardia and puffiness/swelling can also occur in chronic renal failure and this diagnosis must not be missed (get a blood urea and creatinine). If hypothyroidism occurs in early childhood there is mental retardation which makes the child a ‘cretin’. Once mental retardation has set in, supplementation of thyroxin will not be able to correct it. Early diagnosis is very important.

This resource is related to Course VIII: Endocrine System. If you are interested in purchasing this course from our on-demand library of courses click here.

[Endocrine System. Thyroid. Metabolism. Hypothyroid. Woltman’s Sign.]