neuro exam

Question 1

describe Kernig’s sign

Answer 1

1. With the patient supine, the examiner flexes one hip and bends the knee to 90 degrees
2. Then the examiner tries to straighten the leg

• A positive Kernig’s sign= resistance due to pain in low back upon straightening the leg
• sign of meningeal irritation/meningitis/spino-cerebellar lesion

Question 2

describe Brudzinski’s sign

Answer 2

1. with the patient supine and legs straight
2. examiner flexes pt’s head/neck towards the chest (chin to chest)
3. pt with involuntarily flex their knees/hips relieve pain in neck/thorax

• Flexion of the knees= positive Brudzinski’s sign= meningeal irritation/meningitis