In a neonate with suspected meningitis, which finding is commonly observed?

In a neonate with suspected meningitis, which finding is commonly observed?

• A. Headache
• B. Photophobia
• C. Bulging anterior fontanel
• D. Positive Kernig sign

Answer: (C)

In a neonate, meningitis often shows signs related to increased intracranial pressure and systemic illness rather than the classic adult symptoms. A bulging anterior fontanel represents raised intracranial pressure from meningeal inflammation, making it a common and recognizable finding in newborns with meningitis. By contrast, headache and photophobia rely on the patient’s ability to communicate discomfort, which infants cannot do, and the Kernig sign is difficult to elicit reliably in neonates. So the bulging fontanel stands out as the typical neonatal clue.

In a neonate, meningitis often shows signs related to increased intracranial pressure and systemic illness rather than the classic adult symptoms. A bulging anterior fontanel represents raised intracranial pressure from meningeal inflammation, making it a common and recognizable finding in newborns with meningitis. By contrast, headache and photophobia rely on the patient’s ability to communicate discomfort, which infants cannot do, and the Kernig sign is difficult to elicit reliably in neonates. So the bulging fontanel stands out as the typical neonatal clue.