Flight And Operational Medical Technician (FOMT) Block 2 Practice Exam

Which symptom is most characteristic of meningitis rather than encephalitis?

Neck stiffness and photophobia Seizures and confusion Focal deficits Nausea only

Correct Answer:

Neck stiffness and photophobia

Explanation:

Meningitis causes inflammation of the meninges, which irritates the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This irritation leads to characteristic meningeal signs: neck stiffness due to irritation of the cervical meninges and ligaments, and photophobia from sensitivity to light caused by meningeal irritation. These signs are the most specific clues pointing to meningitis compared with encephalitis, where the problem is inflammation of brain tissue itself and the presentation centers more on altered mental status, seizures, and sometimes focal brain deficits. While nausea can occur with either condition and seizures/ confusion can appear in encephalitis, the combination of neck stiffness and photophobia is most characteristic of meningitis.

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