Physical Exam for Meningitis
The physical exam for
meningitis includes:
- Checking the eyes, nose, throat, ears, and
neck.
- Checking the skin, abdomen, arms, and
legs.
- Checking temperature and breathing
rate.
- Listening to the heart and lungs.
- Checking the
neck for stiffness.
- Checking muscle strength and reflexes.
During the physical exam, the doctor may look for signs
of confusion by asking you to answer simple questions and do simple
tasks.
Other tests also may be done during the physical exam, including:
- Asking you to lie on your back, bend your knees
up to the chest, and then stretch them out. Pain during this movement may
point to meningitis.
- Asking you to lie on your back and bend your
neck forward so that the chin touches the chest. If you bend your knees without
intending to do so, you may have meningitis.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease |
| Last Revised | December 8, 2010 |