Which statement is true about meningitis signs such as Kernig and Brudzinski?

Which statement is true about meningitis signs such as Kernig and Brudzinski?

• A. Kernig and Brudzinski signs are both associated with meningitis.
• B. Kernig sign is never positive in meningitis.
• C. Brudzinski sign is unrelated to meningitis.
• D. Kernig sign is used to diagnose muscle dystrophy.

Answer: (A)

Kernig and Brudzinski signs come from irritation of the meninges, which happens with meningitis. When the meninges are inflamed, certain movements provoke a reflex or painful response that we can observe at the bedside. Brudzinski sign shows up when neck flexion causes the hips and knees to flex involuntarily. Kernig sign shows up when the hip is flexed to about 90 degrees and you try to straighten the knee; there is resistance and often pain. Because both signs arise from meningeal irritation, they’re commonly seen in meningitis and support the diagnosis when present. They’re not perfect tests—some patients with meningitis don’t have these signs, and other conditions causing meningeal irritation can produce them as well. The statements that Brudzinski is unrelated to meningitis or that Kernig is for muscular dystrophy are incorrect, and it’s not true that Kernig is never positive in meningitis.

Kernig and Brudzinski signs come from irritation of the meninges, which happens with meningitis. When the meninges are inflamed, certain movements provoke a reflex or painful response that we can observe at the bedside. Brudzinski sign shows up when neck flexion causes the hips and knees to flex involuntarily. Kernig sign shows up when the hip is flexed to about 90 degrees and you try to straighten the knee; there is resistance and often pain. Because both signs arise from meningeal irritation, they’re commonly seen in meningitis and support the diagnosis when present. They’re not perfect tests—some patients with meningitis don’t have these signs, and other conditions causing meningeal irritation can produce them as well. The statements that Brudzinski is unrelated to meningitis or that Kernig is for muscular dystrophy are incorrect, and it’s not true that Kernig is never positive in meningitis.