general exam

Question 1

what is the battle sign

Answer 1

hematoma behind the ear, can suggest fracture to that region

Question 2

what is the racoon sign

Answer 2

hematoma below the eye

Question 3

what does meningeal inflammation present with

Answer 3

severe neck pain that is worse with neck flexion

Question 4

what does pain on nek rotation suggest

Answer 4

this is not a sign of meningeal irritation as that would cause stiffness with flexion but rather this suggests that there is a problem with the vertebrae or neck muscles

Question 5

what is the brudzinki sign

Answer 5

spontaneous flexion of legs at the hips and knees following neck flexion

Question 6

what is a positive kernig sign

Answer 6

resistance to knee extension when the hips are flexed

Question 7

what is Gibbus deformity

Answer 7

its a form of skeletal kyphosis, there is anterior collapse of one or more vertebral bodies, typically in the lower thoracic or upper lumber

Question 8

when does Gibbus deformity occur

Answer 8

in younger children as a spinal tuberculosis

Question 9

what is the sciatic stretch test

Answer 9

test used to assess lower lumbar or sacral nerve root irritation, may be due to herniation

Question 10

what nerve does the sciatic stretch test stretch

Answer 10

sciatic nerve, including the nerve roots L4 to S2
when the patient experiences pain the test is positive (suggesting compression or irritation of the nerve)

Question 11

what is the anorectal examination

Answer 11

this forms part of the spinal cord examination
tests the anal sphincter