Which of the following is NOT a symptom of meningismus?

Meningismus refers to a set of clinical signs that are indicative of irritation of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The hallmark symptoms of meningismus include neck stiffness, which indicates restricted neck movement due to pain or discomfort, photophobia, which is sensitivity to light, and headache, which is a common symptom associated with meningeal irritation.

Drowsiness, while it can be a concerning symptom in a patient with a neurological condition, is not specifically characteristic of meningismus. Instead, drowsiness may imply a more generalized alteration in consciousness or brain function, which can be associated with various neurological conditions but does not directly indicate meningeal irritation. Thus, the correct identification of drowsiness as not being a symptom of meningismus aligns with the understanding that meningismus primarily involves more localized signs related directly to the meninges rather than diffuse signs of altered consciousness.