Which sign is associated with meningitis and is characterized by neck flexion causing involuntary hip and knee flexion?

Which sign is associated with meningitis and is characterized by neck flexion causing involuntary hip and knee flexion?

• A. Kernig's sign
• B. Brudzinski's sign
• C. Romberg sign
• D. Tinel sign

Answer: (B)

When meningeal irritation is present, passive flexion of the neck can trigger reflex contraction of the hip and knee flexors. This results in involuntary bending of the hips and knees, known as Brudzinski sign. It’s a classic sign tested during a neurological exam for meningitis because it directly reflects meningeal irritation causing a reflexive lower-limb response. To test it, have the patient supine and gently flex the neck forward. If the hips and knees automatically bend in response, the sign is positive, which supports meningeal irritation. In contrast, other signs described here relate to different phenomena: Kernig sign involves pain and resistance with extending a knee when the hip is flexed; Romberg sign assesses balance and proprioception; Tinel sign involves tingling with tapping over a nerve.

When meningeal irritation is present, passive flexion of the neck can trigger reflex contraction of the hip and knee flexors. This results in involuntary bending of the hips and knees, known as Brudzinski sign. It’s a classic sign tested during a neurological exam for meningitis because it directly reflects meningeal irritation causing a reflexive lower-limb response.

To test it, have the patient supine and gently flex the neck forward. If the hips and knees automatically bend in response, the sign is positive, which supports meningeal irritation.

In contrast, other signs described here relate to different phenomena: Kernig sign involves pain and resistance with extending a knee when the hip is flexed; Romberg sign assesses balance and proprioception; Tinel sign involves tingling with tapping over a nerve.