Iqraabout 1 year ago

Hand of benediction

Hand of benediction (AKA preacher’s hand) is a clinical sign indicating peripheral neuropathy, or damage of the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, specifically those affecting the muscles of the hand. It is seen under certain conditions when a person is asked to make a fist or open their hand, resulting in the little finger (5th digit) and ring finger (4th digit) remain flexed or bent, while the index (2nd digit) and middle finger (3rd digit) are extended. This resembles the hand gesture of the pope giving their blessing (a papal benediction), lending to the name hand of benediction.