Abstract Details

Title Abraham Myerson: A Pioneer in the Study of the Glabellar Reflex in Neurology

Topic History of Neurology

Presentation(s) P5 - Poster Session 5 (8:00 AM-9:00 AM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 11-007

Objective

To highlight the significant contributions of Abraham Myerson to neurology, focusing on the persistent glabellar reflex known as Myerson’s sign and its relevance in neurological examinations.

Background Abraham Myerson, a notable American neurologist and psychiatrist of the early 20th century, dedicated his career to exploring the intersection of neurological and psychiatric disorders. He identified the persistent glabellar reflex, termed Myerson’s sign, which is recognized as a frontal release sign. This sign is characterized by an inability to suppress blinking during repeated taps on the glabella and may indicate potential neurodegeneration in the appropriate clinical context.

Design/Methods A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar to examine Myerson’s contributions to neurology and the clinical relevance of Myerson’s Sign in diagnosing neurological conditions.

Results Born in Lithuania and immigrating to the United States as a child, Myerson was a pioneer in studying the inheritance of mental disorders but gained prominence in neurology through his identification of Myerson’s sign. This sign is particularly associated with Parkinson’s disease, where Myerson noted that patients exhibited persistent blinking after repeated glabellar taps—a manifestation of the primitive glabellar reflex. Unlike healthy individuals, who typically show habituation and reduced blinking, patients with neurodegenerative conditions maintain this reflex. Myerson’s sign has become an essential component of the neurological examination for Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Conclusions

Abraham Myerson’s identification of the glabellar reflex remains a useful tool in the neurological examination, offering a quick and non-invasive method to assess patients for neurodegenerative conditions.

Authors/Disclosures
Relfa Proano, MD PRESENTER	Dr. Proano has nothing to disclose.
Brandon Dsouza, MBBS (Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre)	Dr. Dsouza has nothing to disclose.
Brianna Lupo	Miss Lupo has nothing to disclose.
Joyce A. Jimenez Zambrano, MD	Dr. Jimenez Zambrano has nothing to disclose.

��ɫ��

��ɫ��