A negative result on either of these tests doesn’t rule out the possibility of meningitis. However, more recent research shows that many people with meningitis doesn’t display these signs.
Your doctor may repeat this test on both legs.
Intense pain in your back or thigh can indicate meningitis. Then, they’ll slowly straighten your leg. Kernig’s sign: Your doctor will flex your leg at the knee and bend the leg forward at the hip.Neck stiffness and involuntary bending of the knees and hips can indicate meningitis. Brudzinski’s sign: Your doctor will pull your neck forward slowly.Your doctor may also look for two specific signs of a meningitis infection: A purplish or reddish skin rash that doesn’t get lighter or disappear when you press against it can be a sign of severe infection with one of the types of bacteria that causes meningitis. Then, your doctor will check your entire body for any unusual markings, signs, or lumps. Your doctor will conduct a full physical examination as the first step in looking for signs of meningitis.įirst, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, your medical history, and whether you’ve been on any recent trips to regions with a higher rate of certain types of meningitis.
