MEDLINEplus Health Information: Return to home page   A service of the National Library of Medicine: Go to NLM home page
Search     Advanced Search    Site Map    About MEDLINEplus    Home
Health Topics: conditions, diseases and wellness Drug Information: generic and brand name drugs Dictionaries: spellings and definitions of medical terms Directories: doctors, dentists and hospitals Other Resources: organizations, libraries, publications, MEDLINE

Medical Encyclopedia

Disease     Injury     Nutrition     Poison     Special     Surgery     Symptoms     Tests

 
Overview   Treatment   

Abdominal rigidity

Alternative names:

guarding of the abdomen-involuntary; rigidity of the abdomen

Home care:

Involuntary abdominal rigidity should always be evaluated by your health care provider.

Call your health care provider if:

All forms of involuntary rigidity and rebound tenderness (pain when the abdomen is gently pressed and then the pressure is suddenly released) should be seen immediately by your health care provider.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. Until a diagnosis is made, pain relievers will probably not be administered because they may mask the symptoms.

Medical history questions documenting abdominal rigidity in detail may include:

  • When did you first notice this symptom?
  • What other symptoms are occurring at the same time? Especially, is there abdominal pain?

The physical examination may include a pelvic (and possibly a rectal) examination.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to abdominal rigidity to your personal medical record.


Adam

The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Copyright 2000 adam.com, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Health Topics | Drug Information | Dictionaries | Directories | Other Resources