Friday, February, 10, 2012

Abdominal rigidity

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

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 released) need immediate medical attention, preferably in an emergency room. You may need surgery.


What to expect at your health care provider's office

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

The health care providerwill perform a physical examination. The physical examination may include a pelvic (and possibly a rectal) examination.

The health care provider will ask questions about your symptoms, such as:

  • When did they first start?
  • What other symptoms do you have at the same time? For example, do you have abdominal pain?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

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

You will probably not be given any pain relievers until a diagnosis is made. Pain relievers can hide your symptoms.


Review Date: 10/30/2010
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)