Which symptom is NOT commonly associated with meningitis?

• A. Severe chest pain
• B. Neck stiffness
• C. Photophobia
• D. Fever

Answer: (A)

Meningitis tends to cause irritation of the meninges, which leads to fever and meningeal signs such as neck stiffness and photophobia. Neck stiffness is a classic sign because the inflamed membranes make neck movement painful and rigid. Photophobia—sensitivity to light—occurs because light worsens the headache when the meninges are inflamed. Fever reflects the infectious process. Severe chest pain is not a typical feature of meningitis and usually points to other conditions like cardiac or pulmonary problems. So the symptom that doesn’t fit with meningitis is the chest pain; the other three are common clues that should raise suspicion for meningitis, prompting rapid transport and assessment.