Kernig's sign

Kernig's sign (after Waldemar Kernig (1840–1917), a Russian neurologist) is positive when the thigh is flexed at the hip and knee at 90 degree angles, and subsequent extension in the knee is painful (leading to resistance).[1] This may indicate subarachnoid hemorrhage or meningitis.[2] Patients may also show opisthotonus—spasm of the whole body that leads to legs and head being bent back and body bowed forward.[3]

Kernig's sign
Kernig's sign cerebrospinal meningitis.jpg
Positive Kernig's sign in cerebrospinal meningitis
Differential diagnosissubarachnoid hemorrhage or meningitis


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 Metasyntactic variable, which is released under the 
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