Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, according to MedlinePlus. These membranous coverings are called the meninges. Bacterial meningitis is typically caused by a bacterial infection of the bloodstream that spreads to the meninges. Bacterial meningitis can develop in patients of any age. Symptoms of the disease can depend on the severity of the infection and the age of the patient.
Body Temperature Changes
Patients with bacterial meningitis can develop variations in normal body temperature, as described by the Merck Manuals. Patients older than two years of age usually develop a high a fever that lasts for an extended period of time. In infants younger than two the body temperature may increase, remain normal or even decrease. This discrepancy is most likely due to the differences in the immune systems of the age groups. Children younger than two have a less developed immune system.
Stiff Neck
Bacterial meningitis can cause stiffness in the neck of some patients, according to MedlinePlus. This condition is called meningismus. Patients will experience tightness in the muscles around the neck, especially in the nape area. The range of motion of the neck will be decreased. Patients will experience pain when attempting to lower the chin to the chest and may be unable to perform the action. This symptom is not always apparent in patients suffering from meningitis and is usually absent in patients younger than two.
Headache
Along with fever and stiff neck, a headache is part of the three most common signs of meningitis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The headache is most often seen in patients older than the age of two and develops within hours to days after infection.
Sensitivity to Light
Some patients may develop sensitivity to bright light, according to MedlinePlus. This condition is called photosensitivity. Patients may exhibit discomfort upon being in a brightly lit room, or complain that the environment is too brightly lit. This symptom is less common than the fever, stiff neck and headache which are most commonly attributed to bacterial meningitis.
Vomiting
Vomiting is a common sign of bacterial meningitis, according to the Merck Manuals. This symptom is usually accompanied by nausea. Episodes of vomiting associated with a high fever, neck stiffness and headaches strongly indicate meningitis.
Seizures
A seizure is an uncontrollable tensing of the body's muscles that can be accompanied by a loss of consciousness. Seizures are listed by the CDC as a possible sign of bacterial meningitis. As the disease progresses almost every patient of any age will develop seizures.
