Queckenstedt test (Queckenstedt sign)

Introduction

Indciation:

• evaluation for spinal blockage of the subarachnoid space

Procedure

• manual pressure is applied to the jugular vein to elevate venous pressure
• CSF pressure is measured simultaneously

Interpretation

• a simultaneous increase in CSF pressure suggests the absence of a block
• no change or little change in CSF pressure suggests the presence of a block

More general terms

• clinical procedure