Abdominal rigidity

• injury to the abdomen
• peritonitis
• acute appendicitis
• gastrointestinal perforation (hole in the bowel or stomach)

Note: There may be other causes of abdominal rigidity. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for rigidity, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

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

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:
All forms of involuntary rigidity and rebound tenderness (pain when the abdomen is gently pressed and then the pressure is suddenly released) should be seen immediately by your health care provider.

What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. 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:

• 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 )

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to abdominal rigidity to your personal medical record.