Purpose of Brudziński’s symphyseal 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 the heel of your hands on patient’s pubic symphysis and apply gentle pressure.

Outcome: If this manoeuvre causes involuntary flexion of the patient’s hips and knees and abduction of the legs, it is considered as a positive Brudziński’s symphyseal sign (1).

Reference:

1. Brudzinski J. Ueber die Kontralateralen Reflexe an den Unteren Extremitaeten bei Kindern. Wien Klin Wschr. 1908;21:255 – 61.