Which sign is not a sign of meningitis?

Which sign is not a sign of meningitis?

• A. Kernig's sign
• B. Brudzinski's sign
• C. Nuchal rigidity sign
• D. Babinski sign

Answer: (D)

The key idea is recognizing signs of meningeal irritation versus other neurologic signs. Signs like Kernig’s and Brudzinski’s reflect irritation of the meninges and are classic indicators of meningitis. Nuchal rigidity is another common sign of meningitis, representing stiffness of the neck due to meningeal inflammation. Babinski sign, on the other hand, is a sign of upper motor neuron or corticospinal tract dysfunction. It’s not a manifestation of meningeal irritation. A positive Babinski (toes upgoing in response to a sole stimulation) points to pyramidal tract involvement from various CNS problems (stroke, MS, etc.), not specifically meningitis. So, while meningitis can have a range of neurologic findings, Babinski is not a sign used to indicate meningitis.

The key idea is recognizing signs of meningeal irritation versus other neurologic signs. Signs like Kernig’s and Brudzinski’s reflect irritation of the meninges and are classic indicators of meningitis. Nuchal rigidity is another common sign of meningitis, representing stiffness of the neck due to meningeal inflammation.

Babinski sign, on the other hand, is a sign of upper motor neuron or corticospinal tract dysfunction. It’s not a manifestation of meningeal irritation. A positive Babinski (toes upgoing in response to a sole stimulation) points to pyramidal tract involvement from various CNS problems (stroke, MS, etc.), not specifically meningitis. So, while meningitis can have a range of neurologic findings, Babinski is not a sign used to indicate meningitis.