What sign indicates pain and spasms of the hamstring muscles during a physical examination?

What sign indicates pain and spasms of the hamstring muscles during a physical examination?

• A. Brudzinski's sign
• B. Kernig's sign
• C. Gowers' sign
• D. Trendelburg's sign

Answer: (B)

Kernig's sign is indicative of irritation of the meninges, which is typically associated with conditions like meningitis. During a physical examination, when a patient is lying supine, if the examiner tries to flex one leg at the knee and hip and this causes pain or spasms in the hamstring muscles, it indicates that the lower limb cannot be flexed easily due to discomfort. This reaction occurs because of the tension created in the hamstring muscles when the hip is flexed while the knee is straight. In contrast, Brudzinski's sign assesses for meningeal irritation but does not specifically address hamstring discomfort. Gowers' sign is more related to muscular dystrophy and indicates proximal muscle weakness, and Trendelenburg's sign evaluates hip abductor weakness or pelvic instability rather than focusing on pain in the hamstrings. Understanding the specific parameters of each sign is crucial for accurate interpretation during a physical examination.

Kernig's sign is indicative of irritation of the meninges, which is typically associated with conditions like meningitis. During a physical examination, when a patient is lying supine, if the examiner tries to flex one leg at the knee and hip and this causes pain or spasms in the hamstring muscles, it indicates that the lower limb cannot be flexed easily due to discomfort. This reaction occurs because of the tension created in the hamstring muscles when the hip is flexed while the knee is straight.

In contrast, Brudzinski's sign assesses for meningeal irritation but does not specifically address hamstring discomfort. Gowers' sign is more related to muscular dystrophy and indicates proximal muscle weakness, and Trendelenburg's sign evaluates hip abductor weakness or pelvic instability rather than focusing on pain in the hamstrings. Understanding the specific parameters of each sign is crucial for accurate interpretation during a physical examination.