Which sign is a feature of meningeal irritation?

Which sign is a feature of meningeal irritation?

• A. Kernig sign
• B. Babinski sign
• C. Nuchal rigidity
• D. Romberg sign

Answer: (C)

Meningeal irritation causes the coverings of the brain and spinal cord to become inflamed, which makes neck movement painful and stiff. Nuchal rigidity refers to this neck stiffness and is a direct sign you’d notice on physical exam when meninges are irritated, such as in meningitis. While there are other signs associated with meningeal irritation (for example, Kernig sign can be positive when extending the leg causes pain due to meningeal irritation), neck stiffness is the most straightforward indication you’d be detecting on a simple neck flexion test. The other options point to different neurological processes: a Babinski sign reflects an upper motor neuron lesion, and a Romberg sign assesses proprioception and balance.

Meningeal irritation causes the coverings of the brain and spinal cord to become inflamed, which makes neck movement painful and stiff. Nuchal rigidity refers to this neck stiffness and is a direct sign you’d notice on physical exam when meninges are irritated, such as in meningitis.

While there are other signs associated with meningeal irritation (for example, Kernig sign can be positive when extending the leg causes pain due to meningeal irritation), neck stiffness is the most straightforward indication you’d be detecting on a simple neck flexion test. The other options point to different neurological processes: a Babinski sign reflects an upper motor neuron lesion, and a Romberg sign assesses proprioception and balance.