Brudzinskis Sign
Other Names
- Brudzinski Test
- Brudzinski's Sign
- Brudzinski's Neck Sign
- Nape of the Neck Sign
Purpose
- Evaluate for meningeal irritation as a cause of the patients symptoms
Description
- The patient is supine
- Examiner gently flexes the neck towards the chest
- Observe for involuntary flexion of the hips or knees
- Positive sign
- Involuntary flexion suggesting meningeal irritation
Pathology
- Meninigitis
Evidence
Meningitis
- Akaishi et al systematic review[3]
- Sensitivity: 28%
- Specificity: 89%
- LR+: 2.44
- LR-: 0.82
- Thomas et al[4]
- Sensitivity: 5%
- Specificity: 95%
- PPV: 27%
- NPV: 72%
See Also
References
- ↑ Siu, Victoria, et al. "Evidence-based work up and management of non-specific neck pain in the emergency department." Emergency Care Journal 18.4 (2022).
- ↑ Image courtesy of UBC wiki
- ↑ Akaishi, Tetsuya, et al. "Sensitivity and specificity of meningeal signs in patients with meningitis." Journal of General and Family Medicine 20.5 (2019): 193-198.
- ↑ Thomas, Karen E., et al. "The diagnostic accuracy of Kernig's sign, Brudzinski's sign, and nuchal rigidity in adults with suspected meningitis." Clinical Infectious Diseases 35.1 (2002): 46-52.
Created by:
John Kiel on 26 June 2025 17:55:44
Authors:
Last edited:
14 January 2026 14:19:38
Category: