Brudzinski's neck sign

System: Neurological Signs · All neurological signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

Passive flexion of the patient's neck causes the hips and knees to flex involuntarily.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with meningeal irritation, classically in meningitis.

◈ Behind the name

Józef Brudziński (1874–1917), Polish paediatrician who described several meningeal signs in children.

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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.