According to the Mayo Clinic, meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes, known as meninges that cover the brain and spinal cord, usually due to the spread of an infection. Meningitis can be bacterial or viral. Signs of viral meningitis can be similar to bacterial meningitis, which can be fatal. Recognizing the early signs of meningitis is important and medical treatment is necessary.
Clinical Presentation for Adults
Common signs of meningitis in adults include headache, fever and malaise. Some people will complain of a stiff neck and sensitivity to bright light. Irritability, restlessness and altered level of consciousness can occur in more severe cases. According to the Merck Manual, vomiting is also common and symptoms are sometimes preceded by a cough, runny nose or sore throat. A rash with red and purple spots will sometimes develop. The rash is most often noticed on the trunk and lower extremities. Adults can become seriously ill within 24 hours.
Infant and Toddler Signs
The signs and symptoms that usually appear first in infants and toddlers include feeding problems, vomiting and irritability. You may notice there is a change in the way their cry sounds. It may be a more high-pitched cry than usual. They can run a high or a low body temperature. The child may become lethargic and appear sleepier than normal. Bacterial meningitis causes swelling of the brain tissue. If the child still has the soft spot, called the fontanelle on his head, you may notice this spot to be bulging or feel tense. Children may also develop the red and purple rash.
Newborn Signs
In the newborn child, the first month of life, the symptoms of meningitis are often vague. You may notice poor feeding, a weak suck and weak cry. The newborn may have vomiting and diarrhea. Fever may be absent. The newborn may have irregular breathing problems, and periods of apnea may be present. The red and purple rash may appear.
Meningococcemia Signs
Meningococcemia is the name of the most deadly of the bacterial meningitis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms may include fever, fatigue and vomiting. The patient may have cold hands and feet and complain of cold chills. She may have severe aches or pain in the muscles and joints. Pain in the chest or abdomen and rapid breathing are also common symptoms seen in the patient. In the later stages the rash will develop. This form of meningitis is fatal and death can occur in as little as a few hours.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Meningitis signs and symptoms
- "Sheehy's Manual of Emergency Care;" Elsevier Mosby; 2005
- Mayo Clinic: Meningitis
