Which sign would NOT be associated with meningismus?

Meningismus describes a set of clinical signs and symptoms that indicate irritation of the meninges, which are the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The signs typically associated with meningismus include neck stiffness, headache, and photophobia.

Neck stiffness occurs because the meninges can become inflamed or irritated, leading to discomfort and resistance when trying to flex the neck. Headache is another common symptom resulting from increased intracranial pressure or irritation of the meninges. Photophobia, or sensitivity to light, is also indicative of meningitis since the inflammation can affect the optic nerve and overall sensory processing.

Shortness of breath, however, is not a symptom that would be associated with meningismus. While it can arise in many clinical conditions, it does not relate directly to the irritation of the meninges or the features typically observed in meningitis. In this context, recognizing the specific symptoms that characterize meningismus helps in distinguishing it from other medical issues.