What is Kernig's sign indicative of?

What is Kernig's sign indicative of?

• A. Sign of meningitis
• B. Hemiparesis diagnosis
• C. Spinal cord injury
• D. Intracranial pressure

Answer: (A)

Kernig's sign is a clinical indicator that is used primarily to assess the presence of meningitis. When a patient has meningitis, there is often inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, which can lead to irritation of the central nervous system. This sign is demonstrated by the patient's inability to straighten the leg when the hip is flexed at 90 degrees due to pain in the neck or back. The presence of Kernig's sign suggests meningeal irritation, which may be due to infections (like bacterial or viral meningitis), bleeding, or other pathological conditions affecting the meninges. Thus, a positive Kernig's sign is significant in the clinical evaluation of suspected meningitis, supporting the detection of this serious medical condition and prompting further diagnostic workups and interventions when necessary.

Kernig's sign is a clinical indicator that is used primarily to assess the presence of meningitis. When a patient has meningitis, there is often inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, which can lead to irritation of the central nervous system. This sign is demonstrated by the patient's inability to straighten the leg when the hip is flexed at 90 degrees due to pain in the neck or back.

The presence of Kernig's sign suggests meningeal irritation, which may be due to infections (like bacterial or viral meningitis), bleeding, or other pathological conditions affecting the meninges. Thus, a positive Kernig's sign is significant in the clinical evaluation of suspected meningitis, supporting the detection of this serious medical condition and prompting further diagnostic workups and interventions when necessary.