Meningism vs. Meningismus

Meningismnoun

(medicine) A set of symptoms similar to those of meningitis but not caused by it, involving the triad of nuchal rigidity (neck stiffness), photophobia, and headache, a sign of irritation of the meninges.

Meningismnoun

Such symptoms as identified clinically but before knowledge of their cause is ascertained (that is, before diagnosis or before its confirmation); meningeal symptoms.

Meningismnoun

symptoms that mimic those of meningitis but without inflammation of the meninges

Meningism

Meningism is a set of symptoms similar to those of meningitis but not caused by meningitis. Whereas meningitis is inflammation of the meninges (membranes that cover the central nervous system), meningism is caused by nonmeningitic irritation of the meninges, usually associated with acute febrile illness, especially in children and adolescents.