Meningitis, a condition that causes inflammation of membranes that cover the spinal cord and brain, may require immediate medical intervention, according to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Bacteria, viruses and other irritants may cause the inflammation. Aseptic meningitis occurs from irritants other than bacteria, and chemical meningitis, one form of aseptic meningitis, relates to chemicals like chemotherapy and other drugs causing the inflammation. A variety of symptoms may arise from this chemical inflammation of the spinal cord and brain membranes.
Stiff Neck
The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that neck stiffness occurs as a result of all forms of aseptic meningitis, including chemical meningitis. A stiff neck may feel tense, tight and painful, and sometimes the condition makes it difficult to move the neck, according to Everyday Health. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library reveals that this common symptom of all types of meningitis may develop slower in chemical meningitis and other forms of aseptic meningitis.
Photophobia
Photophobia, or sensitivity to light, is a common symptom of chemical meningitis and all forms of aseptic meningitis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Sufferers of chemical meningitis may need to avoid sunlight, incandescent lights and fluorescent lights, as sensitivities can cause headaches or pain in the eyes from exposure. AllAboutVision.com reveals that people with lighter eyes may experience greater discomfort from light than those with darker eyes due to the lack of pigment in the eyes that may protect them from light exposure. Until chemical meningitis is successfully treated, photophobia will remain a symptom.
Fever
The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library reports fever as a symptom of all forms of aseptic meningitis, including chemical meningitis. The average body temperature in humans hovers at 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Fevers of 103 degrees or higher, as can occur during meningitis, put the body in danger, according to MayoClinic.com. In addition to a high internal body temperature, sufferers may experience sweating, shivering, dehydration, weakness, hallucinations and convulsions. Fevers occur when the body engages in fighting off an infection, such as when combating chemical meningitis.
