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Glite Dictionary
Queckenstedt's test

Queckenstedt's test

9.9
A test that checks for a spine blockage by pressing neck veins to see spinal fluid pressure change
  • noun
  • /ˈkwɛkənˌstɛdz tɛst/
  • Archaic
translation icon : prueba de Queckenstedt
  • The neurologist performed a Queckenstedt's test to measure cerebrospinal fluid pressure during jugular compression.

Examples

  • The neurologist performed a Queckenstedt's test to check for signs of spinal cord compression.

  • A positive Queckenstedt's test suggests a blockage in the spinal canal.

  • Queckenstedt's test is now rarely used, but it was once common in neurological assessments.

  • The doctor performed Queckenstedt's test to check for blockages.

  • Can you explain how Queckenstedt's test works?

  • A positive result from Queckenstedt's test indicates potential blockages in the spinal canal.

  • During the examination, the doctor explained Queckenstedt's test and its role in diagnosing spinal issues.

Surface Forms

Queckenstedt's test singular
Queckenstedt's tests plural

Morphology

Queckenstedt's + test

This is an eponymic medical term: the first element is a proper name (Queckenstedt's) with no lexical meaning for learners, and the only transparent constituent is 'test', which does not convey the specific procedure. Because the meaning (a particular spinal canal diagnostic maneuver) cannot be derived from the parts and requires specialist knowledge or prior exposure, it is not predictable for a B1 learner.

Etymology

Queckenstedt's test is named after the doctor who first used it. In the test a doctor gently presses the neck veins while watching the spinal fluid pressure: if the pressure rises the canal is open, but if it does not there is a 'block', so the test became a simple way to check for a blockage in the spinal canal.