Symptoms of Meningitis: An Overview
Common symptoms of
meningitis in anyone over the age of two years include:
- Stiff neck
- High fever
- Headache
- Rash.
These symptoms of meningitis can develop over several hours, or they may take one to two days.
Meningococcal symptoms of meningitis may be associated with kidney and adrenal gland failure and shock.
Severe Symptoms of Meningitis
More severe symptoms of meningitis may include:
- Discomfort looking into bright lights
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Sleepiness.
As meningitis progresses, patients may have
seizures.
Symptoms of Meningitis in Newborns and Infants
In newborns and small infants, the classic symptoms of meningitis (neck stiffness, fever, and headache) may be absent or difficult to detect.
Symptoms of meningitis in newborns and infants include:
- Appearing slow or inactive
- Being irritable
- Vomiting
- Feeding poorly.
Symptoms of Meningitis: Summary
Not everyone with possible symptoms of meningitis actually has meningitis. There are a number of other medical conditions that share similar symptoms. However, because of the seriousness of meningitis, any person showing possible symptoms of meningitis should seek immediate medical care by contacting their doctor or going to a clinic or emergency room.
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