Purpose of Brudziński’s neck sign: To determine if the patient has inflammation of the meninges (meningitis) (1).
Patient position: Lying supine.
Examiner position: Standing beside the bed, facing the patient.
Procedure: With the patient lying supine, place your hands behind the patient’s head and flex the head towards the chest.
Outcome: This is a sign of meningeal irritation. If meningeal irritation is present, this manoeuvre causes involuntary flexion of the patient’s hips and knees. This is a positive Brudzinski’s neck sign (1).
Reference:
- Brudzinski J. Un sign nouveau sur les membres inferieurs dans les meningitis chez les infants (sign de la nuque). Archives de la Medicine Enfant. 1910;12:745 – 52.