Meningitis can be caused by a virus, fungus or bacteria. The most frequent meningitis symptoms include nausea, headache, high fever, seizures, rash, mental confusion, sensitivity to light, dizzy spells and stiff neck, reports the Mayo Clinic. Children may also suffer from cough and breathing difficulties. Many meningitis symptoms are common to other illnesses, such as influenza or migraines.
Influenza
Influenza is a viral infection that shares many symptoms with meningitis, states FluFacts.com. One of the common symptoms of influenza is high fever, which is also frequent in meningitis. Other common symptoms for both of these illnesses include loss of appetite, muscle aches and headaches. Children frequently experience nausea and vomiting as well, but these symptoms are rare in adults.
Migraine
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, migraines and meningitis are both accompanied by severe headaches. Nausea and sensitivity to light are also common symptoms of both conditions. In addition, a migraine also has symptoms that are not common among meningitis patients. These include sensitivity to sounds. Many patients see zigzag lines and flashing lights or experience a temporary loss of vision before a migraine headache begins. Another difference in the symptoms of migraine and meningitis is that migraine headaches are often only on one side of the head.
Brain Tumor
Both meningitis and brain tumor patients experience severe headaches and nausea, reports CancerHelp.org. Seizures and confusion can also accompany both conditions. Brain tumor headaches are typically worst in the morning, however, and tend to get worse if the patient coughs, sneezes or bends over. Depending on the location of the tumor, changes in personality may also be seen. Typically a patient appears aggressive and suffers from mood swings. Such symptoms are not common in meningitis.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Just like meningitis, a subarachnoid hemorrhage is a serious medical condition in which fast diagnosis and treatment are crucial. According to IntelliHealth.com, a subarachnoid hemorrhage is a form of stroke caused by bleeding from an artery on the surface of the brain. This bleeding causes pressure in the head. The symptoms of these two conditions are quite similar. They include severe headaches, confusion, nausea, stiff neck and fever. Subarachnoid hemorrhage also has some symptoms that are not typical for meningitis. These include difficulties in speaking and walking.
