Abdominal rigidity

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Overview	Treatment

Abdominal rigidity

Alternative Names

Rigidity of the abdomen

Home Care

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

When to Contact a Medical Professional

All forms of involuntary rigidity and rebound tenderness (pain when the abdomen is gently pressed and then the pressure is suddenly released) require immediate medical attention, preferably in an emergency room. Surgery may be necessary.

You will probably be seen in an emergency room rather than at your doctor's office.

The health care provider will obtain your medical history and perform an examination. 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 the following:

Blood tests
Urine tests
Colonoscopy
Gastroscopy
Peritoneal lavage
Stool studies
X-ray of the chest
X-ray of the abdomen
Barium studies of the stomach and intestines (such as an upper GI series)

Review Date: 10/26/2006
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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