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Brudzinskis (Neck) Sign

Brudzinski’s (Neck) Sign

Brudzinski described a number of signs, but the one most often used in clinical practice is the neck sign, which is sometimes evident in cases of meningeal irritation, for example due to meningitis. Passive flexion of the neck to bring the head onto the chest is accompanied by flexion of the thighs and legs. As with nuchal rigidity and Kernig’s sign, Brudzinski’s sign may be absent in elderly or immunosuppressed patients with meningeal irritation.

 

References

Pearce JMS. Kernig and Brudzinski. In: Pearce JMS. Fragments ofneurological history. London: Imperial College Press, 2003: 365-366

 

Cross References

Kernig’s sign; Meningism; Nuchal rigidity