Brudzinski sign is described as spontaneous hip flexion during attempted passive neck flexion.

Brudzinski sign is described as spontaneous hip flexion during attempted passive neck flexion.

• A. Brudzinski Sign
• B. Kernig Sign
• C. Babinski Sign
• D. Romberg Test

Answer: (A)

Brudzinski sign tests for meningeal irritation, such as meningitis. When you passively flex the neck, the hips (and often the knees) flex involuntarily in a positive sign. This reflexive movement happens because inflamed meninges transmit the stretch and trigger a protective contraction of the hip flexors. A positive Brudzinski sign suggests meningitis or irritation of the subarachnoid space and is interpreted in the context of other symptoms like fever, neck stiffness, and altered mental status. This differs from Kernig sign, which is pain or resistance when attempting to straighten the knee with the hip flexed, and from the Babinski sign, which is an upward extension of the big toe with fanning of the toes indicating an upper motor neuron lesion; the Romberg test assesses balance and proprioception rather than meningeal irritation.

Brudzinski sign tests for meningeal irritation, such as meningitis. When you passively flex the neck, the hips (and often the knees) flex involuntarily in a positive sign. This reflexive movement happens because inflamed meninges transmit the stretch and trigger a protective contraction of the hip flexors. A positive Brudzinski sign suggests meningitis or irritation of the subarachnoid space and is interpreted in the context of other symptoms like fever, neck stiffness, and altered mental status. This differs from Kernig sign, which is pain or resistance when attempting to straighten the knee with the hip flexed, and from the Babinski sign, which is an upward extension of the big toe with fanning of the toes indicating an upper motor neuron lesion; the Romberg test assesses balance and proprioception rather than meningeal irritation.