Meningitis is an infection of the spinal fluid and protective fibrous tissue that encapsulates the brain and spinal cord, the meninges. Bacteria and viruses, and less commonly, fungi and parasites can cause meningitis. The Meningitis Foundation of American explains viral meningitis is the most common form of the illness in the United States. All types of meningitis typically begin with similar symptoms. It is important to see a doctor to obtain the necessary tests to distinguish bacterial from viral meningitis. Knowing the symptoms of meningitis will help you identify the illness and seek medical care to get a definitive diagnosis and treatment as needed.
Severe Headache
Severe headache is a classic symptom of meningitis, notes Penn State College of Medicine's Hershey Medical Center. Infection of the spinal fluid and meninges causes swelling, which precipitates headache. The onset of the headache is typically sudden, and the pain is characteristically unrelenting.
Stiff Neck
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stiff neck is another classic symptom of meningitis. Attempting to bring the chin toward the chest typically causes intense pain and possibly muscle spasms of the neck. The medical term for this is nuchal rigidity. Although this symptom is not exclusive to meningitis, it is highly suggestive of the illness when present.
Fever
Sudden onset of high fever is another of the hallmark symptoms of meningitis, reports the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Notably, fever may not be present in infants with meningitis. In fact, some infants with meningitis present with an abnormally low body temperature.
Nausea and Vomiting
Infection of the meninges and associated swelling may cause nausea and vomiting, advises the Mayo Clinic. Absence of nausea and vomiting does not rule out a diagnosis of meningitis if other classic symptoms are present.
Light Sensitivity
CDC notes that people with meningitis may experience sensitivity to bright light; this is called photophobia. As the illness resolves, this symptom clears.
Irritability
Meningitis irritates the brain. Hence, it is somewhat predictable that people with the illness demonstrate behavioral irritability as well. As the CDC notes, irritability in infants may be one of the few clues to a diagnosis of meningitis since they are unable to communicate other symptoms such as headache and stiff neck.
Fatigue and Drowsiness
In their patient education materials on meningitis, "The Journal of the American Medical Association" points out that fatigue and drowsiness may be symptoms of meningitis. Drowsiness can be a particularly telling symptom, especially if it is progressive--that is, the affected person seems increasingly less able to stay awake. If this situation occurs, or if it becomes difficult to awaken someone with symptoms suggestive of meningitis, seek immediate medical care.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Meningitis Questions and Answers
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center: Viral Meningitis
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Signs and Symptoms, Encephalitis and Meningitis
- Journal of the American Medical Association: Meningitis Patient Page
- Meningitis Foundation of America: Viral Meningitis
