Kernig's sign is associated with meningitis and indicates meningeal irritation; what does a positive Kernig's sign involve?

Kernig's sign is associated with meningitis and indicates meningeal irritation; what does a positive Kernig's sign involve?

• A. Nuchal rigidity
• B. Resistance to pain and extension of the leg
• C. Fever with rash
• D. Pain when bending the neck

Answer: (B)

A positive Kernig's sign shows meningeal irritation from meningitis. It’s tested with the patient on their back: flex the hip and knee to 90 degrees, then attempt to straighten the knee. If extension is painful or markedly resisted, that indicates meningeal irritation because the inflamed meninges are stretched when the leg is extended. This differs from neck signs like nuchal rigidity (pain or difficulty with neck flexion) and from fever with rash, which are not specific indicators of a positive Kernig’s sign.

A positive Kernig's sign shows meningeal irritation from meningitis. It’s tested with the patient on their back: flex the hip and knee to 90 degrees, then attempt to straighten the knee. If extension is painful or markedly resisted, that indicates meningeal irritation because the inflamed meninges are stretched when the leg is extended. This differs from neck signs like nuchal rigidity (pain or difficulty with neck flexion) and from fever with rash, which are not specific indicators of a positive Kernig’s sign.