Which of the following accurately describes a common symptom of bacterial meningitis?

Which of the following accurately describes a common symptom of bacterial meningitis?

• A. Nuchal rigidity
• B. Hyperactive reflexes
• C. Severe abdominal pain
• D. Change in appetite

Answer: (A)

Nuchal rigidity is a classic symptom associated with bacterial meningitis. It refers to stiffness or rigidity of the neck, making it difficult or painful to flex the neck forward. This symptom arises due to irritation of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, which is a hallmark of meningitis. Patients may also experience pain radiating down the spine when attempting to flex the neck, further confirming the presence of this condition. The presence of nuchal rigidity, along with other symptoms such as fever, headache, and altered mental status, provides clinicians with critical information to aid in the prompt diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. Recognizing this symptom is essential for timely intervention, as bacterial meningitis can quickly become life-threatening. In contrast, hyperactive reflexes, severe abdominal pain, and a change in appetite are not specific indicators of bacterial meningitis and may arise from various other medical conditions. While changes in reflexes may occur in a neurological context, they are not definitive or common symptoms of meningitis itself.

Nuchal rigidity is a classic symptom associated with bacterial meningitis. It refers to stiffness or rigidity of the neck, making it difficult or painful to flex the neck forward. This symptom arises due to irritation of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, which is a hallmark of meningitis. Patients may also experience pain radiating down the spine when attempting to flex the neck, further confirming the presence of this condition.

The presence of nuchal rigidity, along with other symptoms such as fever, headache, and altered mental status, provides clinicians with critical information to aid in the prompt diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. Recognizing this symptom is essential for timely intervention, as bacterial meningitis can quickly become life-threatening.

In contrast, hyperactive reflexes, severe abdominal pain, and a change in appetite are not specific indicators of bacterial meningitis and may arise from various other medical conditions. While changes in reflexes may occur in a neurological context, they are not definitive or common symptoms of meningitis itself.