When the meninges, or membranes that surround the brain, become inflamed the result is called meningitis, the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) explains. Depending on whether the inflammation is due to a viral or bacterial infection, the type of meningitis will either be viral meningitis or bacterial meningitis. Symptoms of either type of meningitis can be relatively the same, with differences existing only due to the severity of the illness and the individual.
Fever
The Mayo Clinic suggests that it is easy to confuse the early symptoms of meningitis with symptoms of influenza. This includes a high fever that can either occur suddenly or one that gradually increases over time. In addition to the fever, an individual may have chills and skin flushing from the elevated body temperature. The fever and infection can contribute to joint aches or pains and febrile seizures. The seizures that are brought on by a fever are generally harmless unless the individual takes a bad fall.
Headache
A headache is almost always present with meningitis due to the swelling that takes place in the brain. The pain in the head can cause an individual to develop a fairly severe sensitivity to bright light. The UMMC points out that mental confusion can result from the swelling in the brain with meningitis, which can be recognized in children as an inability to maintain eye contact.
Stiff Neck
A stiff neck is a characteristic sign of meningitis. It occurs in nearly all individuals with meningitis, including infants. With infants, the stiffness may be noticed when the child fails to turn her head toward sounds or seems to be inconsolable even when held.
Abdominal Symptoms
Nausea and vomiting can occur with meningitis. This can be attributed to the overall infection or due to the intensity of pain the individual is experiencing. Children may refuse to eat due to these and all other symptoms associated with the inflammation.
Child-Specific Symptoms
Children can experience the same symptoms as anyone else who experiences meningitis, but there are several different signs of the illness that occur only in children. This includes a high-pitched cry that is very different from the child's normal cry. The skin can become pale and blotchy. Infants are especially likely to arch the back and become more fussy when held and rocked. Children and infants may be difficult to wake during meningitis. An infant's fontanel (soft spot) will bulge from the inflammation in the brain area.
Fatigue
Fatigue is common with meningitis. Overall the individual is likely to feel very ill.
Skin Symptoms
Some specific strains of infection can cause a skin rash. The shape and color of the rash will vary with the infectious agent. Nearly any type of rash is possible. In some cases, the rash can be purple.
