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kernig's sign

 

Definitions from WordNet

Noun kernig's sign has 1 sense
  1. Kernig's sign - symptom of meningitis; patient cannot extend the leg at the knee when the thigh is flexed because of stiffness in the hamstrings
    --1 is a kind of
    symptom

Definitions from the Web

Kernig's Sign

Description:

Kernig's sign refers to a physical examination finding that indicates the presence of meningitis, a potentially serious infection or inflammation of the meninges (the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord). It is named after Vladimir Mikhailovich Kernig, a Russian neurologist who first described the sign in 1882.

Senses and Usages:

Sense 1:

In neurology, Kernig's sign is observed during a physical examination by flexing the patient's hip and knee at 90-degree angles and then attempting to straighten the knee. If the patient experiences resistance, hamstring muscle spasm, or pain preventing full knee extension, Kernig's sign is considered positive, suggesting an elevated risk of meningitis.

Example Sentence: During the neurological assessment, the doctor observed Kernig's sign, indicating a possible meningitis infection, and immediately ordered further tests.

Sense 2:

Kernig's sign can also be seen in patients with other conditions affecting the spine or meninges, such as spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage or a subdural abscess.

Example Sentence: The patient, who had a recent spinal injury, displayed Kernig's sign due to the increased pressure in the spinal subarachnoid space.

Sense 3:

In certain local dialects, "Kernig's sign" may refer informally to a personal signature that is difficult to read or understand.

Example Sentence: His handwriting was so messy that it resembled Kernig's sign, making it difficult for the bank teller to authenticate the signature.

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