Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS)

A patient with leg flexion upon neck flexion is indicative of which condition?

1. Meningitis

2. Pneumonia

3. Uremic syndrome

4. Neurosyphilis

The correct answer is: Meningitis

The observation of leg flexion upon neck flexion is known as the Brudzinski sign, which is a classic clinical finding suggesting meningeal irritation. This reflex occurs when a patient experiences discomfort or involuntary movement in the legs when the neck is flexed forward. It is often tested in cases of suspected meningitis, which is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. In the context of meningitis, the presence of this sign indicates that the irritation of the meninges is provoking a typical neurological response. Other conditions listed do not typically produce this specific sign. While conditions such as pneumonia, uremic syndrome, and neurosyphilis can have neurological manifestations, they are not specifically associated with the Brudzinski sign, highlighting the importance of recognizing this clinical indicator in diagnosing meningitis.