Brudzinski-Kernig’s test – What is the purpose, indication and relevance?

Brudzinski-Kernig’s Test: Client is supine with hands folded behind head. Client flexes the neck bringing their chin to their chest. Practitioner raises one of the client’s legs, bringing the hip and knee into 90° flexion while the other leg remains down in full extension. Practitioner then begins to extend the knee, straightening the leg.

Purpose:

• Assess nerve root involvement or meningeal irritation by stretching spinal cord and dura mater

Indications:

• Suspected meningitis
• Neck pain

Relevance:

• Positive test for meningeal irritation – spinal pain, compensatory flexion of opposite knee and hip
• Positive test for nerve root involvement – limb pain along nerve pathway

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This post was written by Omar Rifai