Kernig's sign is primarily suggestive of which condition?

• A. Multiple sclerosis
• B. Meningitis
• C. Cerebral palsy
• D. Spinal stenosis

Answer: (B)

Kernig's sign is primarily associated with meningitis, which is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges. The sign is elicited when a patient experiences pain and resistance upon having their knee extended while the hip is flexed. This reaction occurs due to irritation of the meninges and the nerve roots in the spinal cord, which is a hallmark finding in cases of meningitis.

In the context of meningitis, Kernig's sign can be observed as part of a more extensive set of physical findings, including fever and neck stiffness. Its presence is significant in clinical assessments when meningitis is suspected, as it helps guide further diagnostic measures such as lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid analysis.

Other conditions listed, such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and spinal stenosis, do not typically present with Kernig's sign. Multiple sclerosis may involve neurological deficits and other signs of central nervous system damage, but it does not produce the characteristic meningeal signs found in meningitis. Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders affecting movement and posture, primarily stemming from non-progressive brain injury, and does not relate to the cases where Kernig's sign is relevant. Spinal