Kernig's Sign

Kernig's and Brudzinski's signs are both clinical tests used to diagnose meningitis. Kernig's sign is checked by extending the knee with the hip flexed and watching for pain, while Brudzinski's sign is positive if flexing the neck causes involuntary knee and hip flexion.

A positive Kernig's sign occurs when there is resistance, pain, or inability to fully extend the knee when the hip is flexed at 90 degrees, indicating meningeal irritation.

Physical exams for meningitis include checking for Kernig's and Brudzinski's signs, observing the patient's ability to flex the neck, and other signs of neurological impairment that may suggest meningeal inflammation.