Meningism is the triad of nuchal rigidity, photophobia (intolerance of bright light) and headache. It is a sign of irritation of the meninges, such as seen in meningitis, subarachnoid hemorrhage and various other diseases. Meningismus is the term used when the above listed symptoms are present without actual infection or inflammation, usually it is seen in concordance with other acute illness in the pediatric population.

Clinical signs

Nuchal rigidity is the inability to flex the head forward due to rigidity of the neck muscles. Brudzinski's sign is involuntary lifting of the legs in meningeal irritation when lifting a patient's head. Kernig's sign is resistance and pain when knee is extended with hips fully flexed. Patients may also show opisthotonus; spasm of the whole body that leads to legs and head being bent back and body bowed forward.

Medical signs