Which symptom is commonly associated with meningitis?

• A. Cough and runny nose
• B. Itchy skin
• C. Abdominal pain
• D. Severe headache and stiff neck

Answer: (D)

Meningitis inflames the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord, which irritates nerves and raises pressure inside the skull. The most telling signs are a sudden, severe headache and a stiff neck. The neck stiffness comes from the meninges being irritated and tense, making head movement painful. Fever and sensitivity to light often accompany these symptoms, but the combination of a severe headache with a stiff neck is the clearest clue among the options.

The other choices don’t fit meningitis well: cough and runny nose point more to a respiratory infection, itchy skin suggests allergies or dermatitis, and abdominal pain points to gastrointestinal issues. Because meningitis can progress quickly and be life-threatening, recognizing the severe headache with neck stiffness promptly is important and warrants urgent medical evaluation.