In what condition would you typically find a positive Brudzinski sign?

A positive Brudzinski sign is typically indicative of meningeal irritation, which is most commonly seen in cases of bacterial meningitis. This sign is characterized by involuntary lifting of the legs when the neck is flexed, suggesting that irritation of the meninges is present.

In bacterial meningitis, the infection causes inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, leading to symptoms that include fever, headache, neck stiffness, and altered mental status. The positive Brudzinski sign reflects the body's protective reflex in response to this irritation.

The other conditions listed do not typically present with a positive Brudzinski sign. In multiple sclerosis, while neurological involvement is present, meningeal irritation is not a defining characteristic. Acute appendicitis primarily presents with abdominal symptoms and does not affect the meninges. Severe depression involves psychological symptoms and does not lead to a positive Brudzinski sign.