Meningitis is an infection that can be caused by either bacteria or a virus. The infection causes the cerebrospinal fluid and the membranes that surround the brain to become inflamed causing headaches, stiff neck and a fever. In mild cases of meningitis, the infection may clear itself up in a couple of weeks. Severe cases of meningitis can be life threatening.
Headaches
Meningitis causes inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain. It also has an effect on the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spine. This inflammation can cause pressure and result in severe and debilitating headaches. The headaches may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Fever
Both bacterial and viral meningitis have a high fever as a prominent symptom. Any fever over 100 degrees that lasts longer than 48 hours and is accompanied by a severe headache and stiff neck should be treated as an emergency; the sufferer should be taken to the nearest emergency room to rule out meningitis as a cause.
Stiff Neck
The neck feels stiff because of the inflammation that surrounds the spinal cord. The infections that cause meningitis inflames the lining that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It also affects the cerebrospinal fluid. This inflammation and swelling causes pressure in the surrounding tissues and decreases the range of movement in the neck, causing it to feel stiff and sore.
Confusion/Inability to Concentrate
When the lining of the brain swells, it puts pressure on the brain and spinal cord. This pressure can influence the way the brain functions. It can cause headaches, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and in severe cases, confusion. Meningitis is also known to have high fevers as a symptom. A higher than normal fever can cause hallucinations, delusions and an inability to concentrate.
