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Physical Examination for Meningitis

The physical examination 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 examination, 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 examination, 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.
By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
Last Revised February 8, 2011

Last Revised: February 8, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease

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