Kehr’s sign is a sudden, sharp pain felt in both shoulders that can be caused by a ruptured spleen, failed ectopic pregnancy, or severe irritation of one of the lower organs. It is named after German physician Hans Kehr, who suspected the connection between shoulder pain and abdominal pain. The phrenic nerve is responsible for the pain, and anyone experiencing it should seek medical attention immediately. Women should note if they are trying to get pregnant, as Kehr’s sign could be evidence of an ectopic pregnancy.
Kehr’s sign is usually characterized as a sudden, sharp pain felt in both shoulders. It can be felt while standing, but patients usually find that the pain intensifies when they lie down and lift their feet. This happens because the source of Kehr’s sign pain often originates somewhere in the abdomen. The pain travels through the nervous system instead of focusing around the irritated area. Anyone with Kehr’s sign should be taken to a hospital immediately. This type of pain is usually associated with a ruptured spleen, a failed ectopic pregnancy, or severe irritation of one of the lower organs.
German physician Hans Kehr is often credited with discovering Kehr’s sign, giving this condition its name. Kehr was a gallbladder surgeon from Thuringia, Germany who practiced medicine from the late 19th century through the early 20th century. Although this telltale stabbing pain is named after Kehr, historians speculate that the doctor only suspected the connection between shoulder pain and abdominal pain. It appears that he never actually proved his hypothesis about him, even though it turned out to be correct.
It may seem strange that distress in the lower half of the body can manifest as shoulder pain, but even a superficial understanding of the nervous system can explain it. The phrenic nerve is attached to several vertebrae located both above and below the waist. It also connects to several large nervous systems that are attached to organs in the lower body and nerves in the shoulder muscles. Knowing this, it makes sense that any disruption that occurs around the phrenic nerve could result in the pain of Kehr’s sign.
Those with this excruciating pain should describe exactly how they feel to a doctor, even if it doesn’t seem related to shoulder pain. People suffering from a ruptured spleen or gallbladder may also feel a burning sensation in their abdomen. This sensation is usually on the same side of the body as the painful shoulder.
Women should note when their last period was and if they are trying to get pregnant, as Kehr’s sign could be evidence of an ectopic pregnancy. This occurs when an embryo starts growing in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. There is not enough room for the embryo to grow in the fallopian tube, often causing it to rupture. This always ends in miscarriage, but it could also be extremely dangerous for the woman. The sooner you see a doctor, the better chance you have of maintaining your fertility and your life.
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