Kernig Sign = Knee Extension is painful
BrudziNsKi Sign = Neck Flexion leads to Knee Flexion
Meningitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection of the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. The signs and symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, nausea or vomiting, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion, and seizures.
Other signs that may indicate meningitis include a rash of tiny, red or purple spots that appear anywhere on the body, irritability, drowsiness, and difficulty waking up. In infants, meningitis may present with a bulge in the soft spot on the top of the head, a high-pitched cry or moaning, and poor feeding.
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A 6-month-old male infant presented to the emergency department with a fever of 101.5°F, irritability, and poor feeding. The infant’s mother reported that he had been fussy for the past 2 days and had not been eating well. The infant’s vital signs were within normal limits, and a physical examination was significant for a bulging fontanelle and nuchal rigidity. A lumbar puncture was performed, which revealed an increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein level and decreased glucose level. The CSF Gram stain was positive for Gram-negative cocci.