Brudziński’s neck sign

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 … Continue reading Brudziński’s neck sign

Milgram’s Test

Purpose of Milgram’s Test: To determine if there is a pathology in the intra/extra thecal area of the spine. The intrathecal pathology may include a spinal tumour and extrathecal pathology may include a herniated disc or a space-occupying lesion. Patient position: Lying supine. Examiner position: Standing beside the bed. Procedure: Ask the patient to raise both legs up to 4 – 6 inches off the bed (20 degrees) and hold them … Continue reading Milgram’s Test

Valsalva Test for cervical/lumbar Spine

Purpose of Valsalva Test for cervical/lumbar Spine: To determine if there are neurologic symptoms related to radiculopathy (pain, muscle weakness, numbness and/or tingling that spreads distally in the limbs) when the patient inhales, holds the breath and bears down (strains) as if trying to have a bowel movement (1). Patient position: Standing or sitting upright with back unsupported. Examiner position: Standing beside the patient. Procedure: The … Continue reading Valsalva Test for cervical/lumbar Spine

Bikele’s Sign

Purpose of Bikele’s Sign : To determine if there are neurologic symptoms when the arm is abducted, laterally rotated and elbow is extended. Patient position: Sitting upright with back unsupported and with arms beside the trunk. Examiner position: Standing behind the patient. Procedure: This test is performed in two steps: (1) The patient raises the arm sideways up to 90 degrees with the elbow fully … Continue reading Bikele’s Sign

Brachial Plexus Tension Test

Purpose of Brachial Plexus Tension Test: To determine if there are neurologic symptoms when the arms are abducted and laterally rotated. Patient position: Sitting upright with back unsupported and with arms beside the trunk. Examiner position: Standing behind the patient. Procedure: This test is performed in a few steps: (1) The patient raises both arms sideways and then externally rotates the arms until neurologic symptoms … Continue reading Brachial Plexus Tension Test