Orthopedic Diagnosis: Spinal Cord and Meninges

Question 1

L’Hermitte Sign

Answer 1

• Positive: Electric shock-like sensations down the spine and/or through extremities
  
  • Indicates: Dural irritation, severe spinal cord injury or degeneration

Question 2

Kernig Sign

Answer 2

• Positive: Inability to fully extend the leg and/or pain (usually in the neck region)
  
  • Indicates: Meningeal irritation/meningitis

Question 3

Brudzinski Sign

Answer 3

• Positive: Involuntary knee flexion
  
  • Indicates: Meningeal irritation or nerve root lesion (classic test for meningitis)