Crossed Arms Symptom

The Crossed Arms symptom is an involuntary bending of the legs at the knee and hip joints when the patient crosses his arms on his chest. This is one of the classic signs of meningitis.

With meningitis, irritation of the meninges causes an increase in muscle tone. When trying to cross his arms over his chest, the patient involuntarily bends his knees and hips. This symptom is called the crossed arms sign or Kernig sign.

It is thought to be caused by irritation of the spinal nerve roots. The crossed arms symptom is characteristic of meningitis caused by a bacterial or viral infection. It helps the doctor suspect meningitis and prescribe the necessary examination and treatment.