Blumberg's sign

System: Abdominal & Digestive Signs · All abdominal & digestive signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

Pressing slowly into the abdomen and then releasing quickly causes more pain on release than on pressing — rebound tenderness.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with irritation of the peritoneum (peritonism), as in appendicitis or a perforated viscus.

◈ Behind the name

Jacob Moritz Blumberg (1873–1955), German surgeon and gynaecologist.

Browse the B section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.

Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.