The Bounce Test

Consider including the “bounce test” in your assessment of a febrile toddler: have the parent bounce the child on his or her knee as in the “horsey ride” game. If this causes the child to cry or seems to cause pain, consider meningitis or peritonitis. An alternate version, which is preferred in neonates who can’t hold their head up on their own, is to have the parent jump up and down a little while holding the infant.

-- D. Brady Pregerson, MD
Los Angeles

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