What does a positive Kernig's sign indicate?

What does a positive Kernig's sign indicate?

• A. Pain in the knee when straightening the leg
• B. Difficulty walking
• C. Pain in the lower back
• D. Pain in the hip while lying flat

Answer: (A)

A positive Kernig's sign is indicative of meningeal irritation, often associated with conditions like meningitis. This sign is tested by having the patient lie flat and flex one hip and knee to 90 degrees while attempting to straighten the leg at the knee. If there is resistance or pain when trying to straighten the leg, it indicates the presence of irritation of the meninges, which is the protective covering of the brain and spinal cord. In the context of the answer provided, the occurrence of pain in the knee when trying to straighten the leg aligns with this clinical finding, supporting the notion of meningeal irritation. This is a crucial sign that healthcare providers assess when evaluating a patient for possible meningitis or other related conditions affecting the central nervous system. Understanding Kernig's sign and what a positive result entails is important for accurately diagnosing and managing conditions that affect brain and spinal cord function.

A positive Kernig's sign is indicative of meningeal irritation, often associated with conditions like meningitis. This sign is tested by having the patient lie flat and flex one hip and knee to 90 degrees while attempting to straighten the leg at the knee. If there is resistance or pain when trying to straighten the leg, it indicates the presence of irritation of the meninges, which is the protective covering of the brain and spinal cord.

In the context of the answer provided, the occurrence of pain in the knee when trying to straighten the leg aligns with this clinical finding, supporting the notion of meningeal irritation. This is a crucial sign that healthcare providers assess when evaluating a patient for possible meningitis or other related conditions affecting the central nervous system. Understanding Kernig's sign and what a positive result entails is important for accurately diagnosing and managing conditions that affect brain and spinal cord function.