Explain the use and cause of a closed-eyes sign.
It is a relatively accurate test for nonspecific abdominal pain. It is not clear why patients with no intra abdominal pathology should keep their eyes closed. It may be because, unlike patients with true pathology,
they might not need to monitor the physician’s hand to avoid unnecessary pain. It also is possible that they
may be aware (either consciously or unconsciously) that palpation will not produce severe pain, implying
that their pain has a psychologic cause. Either way, a positive closed-eyes sign suggests no intra-abdominal
pathology.
It is a relatively accurate test for nonspecific abdominal pain. It is not clear why patients with no intra abdominal pathology should keep their eyes closed. It may be because, unlike patients with true pathology,
they might not need to monitor the physician’s hand to avoid unnecessary pain. It also is possible that they
may be aware (either consciously or unconsciously) that palpation will not produce severe pain, implying
that their pain has a psychologic cause. Either way, a positive closed-eyes sign suggests no intra-abdominal
pathology.