Brudzinski's Symptoms
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Brudzinski's symptoms are observed in meningitis of various origins. They include four distinct physical signs: the occipital or neck symptom, the contralateral reflex of the lower extremity, the symphysis phenomenon, and the cheek phenomenon.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
Brudzinski's Symptoms (Brudzinski), observed in meningitis of various origins. 1. The occipital, or neck symptom (signe de la nuque) is expressed by the flexion of the limbs, especially the lower ones, in the hip, knee, and ankle joints, when the patient's head is passively bent forward. 2. The contralateral reflex of the lower extremity is expressed in the fact that with extreme passive flexion in the hip and knee joints of one leg, flexion of the other, previously extended, leg occurs. 3. The symphysis phenomenon is expressed in the flexion of the lower extremities in the hip and knee joints when pressure is applied to the patient's pubic symphysis. 4. The cheek phenomenon is expressed in the rapid reflexive raising of the upper extremities and simultaneous flexion in the elbow joints when pressure is applied to both cheeks directly below the zygomatic arches.
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“Brudzinski's Symptoms.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/brudzinski-symptoms/