Kernig's sign

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Kernig's sign

Kernig's sign (/ˈkɜːrnɪɡz/; from the German neurologist Vladimir Kernig) is a clinical test used in the diagnosis of meningitis. It is named after the Russian neurologist who first described it in 1882.

Pronunciation

The term is pronounced as "Ker-nigz sign".

Etymology

The term is named after Vladimir Kernig, a Russian neurologist who first described this sign in 1882.

Definition

Kernig's sign is a clinical sign, which is positive when a patient lying supine cannot fully extend the knee when the hip is flexed to 90 degrees. This is due to irritation in the meninges and subsequent spasm of the hamstring muscles.

Related Terms

  • Brudzinski's sign: Another clinical sign used in the diagnosis of meningitis.
  • Meningitis: An inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
  • Neurology: The branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the nervous system.

Usage

Kernig's sign is used in the physical examination of a patient suspected of having meningitis. The presence of Kernig's sign, along with other signs and symptoms, can help a healthcare provider make a diagnosis.

See Also

External links

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