Meningism (Meningism)

Meningism: Symptoms, causes and diagnosis

Meningism is a condition in which there are symptoms characteristic of meningitis, but there is no actual inflammation of the brain or spinal cord. This condition is common in children and is a symptom of a chest infection or inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. When examining the cerebrospinal fluid in cases of meningism, no abnormalities in its composition are detected.

Symptoms of meningismus may include the following:

  1. Stiff neck muscles: This is one of the most common symptoms of meningism. Patients experience difficulty and pain when trying to tilt their head forward, as the neck muscles become tense and inflexible.
  2. Headache: The pain can be sharp and intense, often localized to the back of the head or around the eyes. The pain may worsen when moving the head or looking at bright lights.
  3. No inflammation of the cerebrospinal fluid: When performing a cerebrospinal fluid tap and analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid, there are no signs of inflammation, such as an increased number of white blood cells or elevated protein levels.

The causes of meningism can be associated with various conditions, such as:

  1. Infectious diseases: Meningismus may result from a chest infection, such as pneumonia or empyema, which can irritate the brain and spinal cord.
  2. Upper respiratory tract inflammation: Some upper respiratory tract infections, such as sinusitis or rhinitis, can irritate the brain and spinal cord, causing symptoms of meningismus.
  3. Other causes: Some cases of meningismus may be caused by injury, tumors, or other medical conditions that can irritate the brain or spinal cord.

Diagnosing meningismus can be difficult because the condition involves the absence of inflammation. The doctor performs a physical examination and evaluates the patient's clinical symptoms. In addition, a cerebrospinal fluid puncture may be prescribed to analyze the cerebrospinal fluid. In meningismus, the results of this test usually do not show abnormalities due to inflammation.

Treatment of meningism is aimed at the underlying cause of the condition and includes the following approaches:

  1. Treatment of the underlying condition: If meningismus is caused by an infectious disease, the doctor will be directed to treat the infection. For example, for pneumonia, antibiotic treatment will be prescribed.

  2. Symptomatic treatment: To relieve the symptoms of meningism, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics may be used to reduce pain and inflammation. Rest and moderate limitation of physical activity may also be recommended.

  3. Monitoring and supportive care: Patients with meningismus may require monitoring and supportive care to ensure optimal recovery and prevent complications.

It is important to see your doctor if you suspect meningismus or if you are experiencing symptoms consistent with this condition. Only a qualified medical professional can make the correct diagnosis and determine the best treatment plan.

In conclusion, meningism is a condition of irritation of the brain or spinal cord, presenting with symptoms of meningitis, but without actual inflammation. It is often associated with chest infections or inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. Diagnosing meningismus can be challenging due to the lack of inflammation in the cerebrospinal fluid and treatment is directed at the underlying cause of the condition. If you suspect meningism, consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.



Meningosis (meningism) is considered to be chronic damage to the membranes of the spinal cord and brain of an inflammatory or toxic nature, as well as acute inflammation of the dura mater of the brain caused by infection.

As a rule, meningosis is usually accompanied by a more serious disease, which leads to discomfort and



Meningism in medicine is a condition of irritation of the brain or cervical cord, which manifests itself in the situation of a symptom of meningism. The neck muscles remain tense and there is a headache. Moreover, if objectively there is no inflammation, the clinical picture will only be the presence of meningomyelitis manifestations with preservation of the integrity of the spinal cord membranes. This point is very important for the differentiation of spinal infections, characterized not only by a number of vascular disorders, but also by general phenomena