What are common signs and symptoms of meningitis?

The presence of fever, headache, and nausea or vomiting are hallmark indicators of meningitis, which is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

A fever is commonly observed as the body's immune response to infection, and headaches can result from increased intracranial pressure or the irritation of the meninges. Nausea and vomiting often accompany the headache due to increased pressure and irritation in the central nervous system, which affects the brain's ability to manage nausea.

Understanding these signs is crucial, as they differentiate meningitis from other conditions. While stiff neck and confusion are also important symptoms of meningitis, the combination of fever, headache, and nausea/vomiting provides a comprehensive understanding of the typical presentation of a patient with meningitis. The other options listed encompass symptoms related to different systems or illnesses, making them less relevant to the meningitis diagnosis.