palmomental reflex /pal′məmen″təl/ [L, palma + mentum, chin, reflectere, to bend back] , an abnormal neurological sign, elicited by scratching the palm of the hand at the base of the thumb, characterized by contraction of the muscles of the chin and corner of the mouth on the same side of the body as the stimulus. It is occasionally seen in normal individuals, but an exaggerated reflex may occur in patients with pyramidal tract disease, latent tetany, increased intracranial pressure, central facial paresis, and dementia. Also called palm-chin reflex.
