Meningitis is a serious condition that causes inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. There are many different types of meningitis, and the severity of the condition can vary depending upon whether it is caused by a virus, bacteria or fungus. According to the National Institutes of Health, while viral meningitis is typically not serious and causes no lasting effects, bacterial meningitis may cause rapidly-developing, life-threatening symptoms.
Common and Early Symptoms
The early symptoms of meningitis in adults are similar to those of the seasonal flu. While these symptoms may come on acutely in individuals with acute bacterial meningitis, those with chronic or viral forms of the condition may see symptoms evolve more slowly over a period of weeks, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library (MMOML). Individuals may experience nausea or vomiting, headache, high fever, lack of appetite, chills and sensitivity to light. A stiff neck is also usually present, making it painful or impossible to lower the chin to the chest. According to the Mayo Clinic, extreme sleepiness, difficulty waking up and mental status changes such as confusion or problems concentrating may also emerge. Those with viral or meningococcal meningitis may also develop a skin rash.
According to the MMOML, older children are also likely to develop a stiff neck, fever and headache, demonstrating symptoms similar to adults. Because certain types of meningitis can become life-threatening in less than 24 hours, seek medical care or advice immediately if you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms.
The Mayo Clinic also advises that nonspecific symptoms including leg pain, abnormally pale skin and ice-cold hands and feet may be early warning signs of meningitis. A sore throat, runny nose, cough or other symptoms similar to a respiratory infection may also precede the onset of meningitis.
Symptoms in Infants
According to the MMOML, infants less than one year in age are not likely to have the hallmark symptom of stiff neck commonly seen in children and adults with meningitis. Babies up to 2 years of age may have a high or low body temperature, be agitated and cry constantly, show excessive sleepiness or irritability and demonstrate poor alertness and feeding. They may also breathe rapidly and become even more unsettled if you pick them up to try to comfort them. Infants may also develop a bulge in the area of the soft spot on the back of the head (called a fontanel) that, if left untreated, can eventually lead to an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain that can cause brain damage or death. Opisthotonos--a condition in which the baby's body adopts a rigid posture and severe arching of the back and neck--can also occur.
If your child experiences any of these symptoms, seek medical care right away to prevent the rapid onset of serious complications.
Serious Symptoms
Infection from bacterial meningitis can cause swelling of brain tissue, leading initially to drowsiness and confusion and ultimately progressing to loss of consciousness, coma, seizures or even death. Impaired blood flow to the brain can also cause stroke or paralysis. According to the MMOML, most individuals with meningococcal meningitis also develop meningococcemia--a life-threatening infection in the bloodstream that rapidly leads to inflammation of blood vessels, bleeding under the skin that causes red or purple blotches and bleeding throughout the digestive tract, organs and adrenal glands. This condition can eventually lead to shock and death unless treated promptly.
