Meningitis is the medical term used to describe an inflammation of the meninges, or the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis comes in two different forms. Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection that can result in death, while viral meningitis is less serious and often resolves spontaneously within two weeks. Bacterial meningitis is commonly caused by one of three different types of bacteria that are spread by direct contact with discharge from the nose or throat of the infected person.
Fever
Children and adults who suffer from meningitis will often have a fever of more than 103 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the symptoms of fever can develop over several hours or they may take one to two days. In newborns and small infants the classic symptom of high fever may be absent.
Headache
According to Dr. Sears, practicing pediatrician for more than 30 years, the hallmark headache associated with meningitis is not like a typical headache. This extremely painful headache happens because the lining of the brain becomes severely inflamed with the bacterial infection. When the condition is caused by a virus, the headache can be less severe and will not be associated with any long-term permanent effects. When bacterial meningitis is left untreated, permanent brain damage or death can occur.
Neck Pain
One of the signs of meningitis that presents in the vast majority of individuals who suffer from bacterial and viral meningitis is neck pain and stiffness. According to Dr. Sears, this pain is different from that associated with sore throat. Instead, it is severe pain in the back of the neck. Pain can be elicited when the patient is asked to look down at his stomach. This causes a stretching of the meninges that covers the base of the brain and spinal cord and results in severe pain. Some children with meningitis will refuse to look down and keep their neck rigidly stiff because of the anticipated pain.
Photophobia
According to Kids Health, photophobia is the medical term used to describe a sensitivity to light. Individuals who suffer from bacterial meningitis will find the inflammation in the meninges affects the brain's interpretation of vision. This interpretation results in an increase sensitivity to light, which leads to pain.
