Usefulness of Kernig and Brudzinski Signs in Diagnosing Meningitis
Ah, the first Conference of the academic year. The new faces, with their bubbling enthisasm, suddenly confronted with the annual reading of the policies & procedures manual… why, it’s enough to give anyone a headache and photophobia. Which is why it’s so timely that we review meningitis, with a focus on some physical exam skills that can (but may not) help guide your diagnosis.
Tim reviewed a paper by Thomas et al out of Yale, published in Clinical Infectious Diseases (2002;Vol 35 July 1, pp46-52) called “The Diagnostic Accuracy of Kernig’s Sign, Bruzinski’s Sign, and Nuchal Rigidity in Adults with Suspected Meningitis.” Here’s his CAT sheet. Read more »
