Brudzinski sign is described as which of the following?

• A. Neck extension causes hips and knees to extend.
• B. Neck flexion causes flexion of the hips and knees.
• C. Neck rotation causes numbness in the fingers.
• D. Neck flexion causes extension of the legs.

Answer: (B)

Meningeal irritation is being tested here. Brudzinski sign occurs when neck flexion causes the hips and knees to flex involuntarily. This reflexive movement happens because irritation of the meninges triggers a pattern of muscular response to relieve stretch on the spinal meninges, which is often seen with meningitis or other conditions affecting the meninges. The described pattern—neck flexion leading to hip and knee flexion—fits Brudzinski sign. The other options describe different responses (such as leg extension with neck extension or numbness with neck rotation) that are not Brudzinski sign.