Queckenstedt’s test /kwek″ənstets/ [Hans H.G. Queckenstedt, German physician, 1876–1918] , a test for an obstruction in the spinal canal in which the jugular veins on each side of the neck are compressed alternately. The pressure of the spinal fluid is measured by a manometer connected to a lumbar puncture needle or catheter. Normally, occlusion of the veins of the neck causes an immediate rise in spinal fluid pressure. If the vertebral canal is blocked, no rise occurs. If increased intracranial pressure is suspected, this test should not be performed. See also spinal canal.
