Signs and Symptoms of Meningitis: An Overview
Common
meningitis symptoms in anyone over the age of two years include:
These symptoms 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 Meningitis Symptoms
More severe meningitis symptoms may include:
- Discomfort looking into bright lights
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Sleepiness.
As meningitis progresses, patients may have
seizures.
Symptoms 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.
Meningitis symptoms 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 this condition should seek immediate medical care by contacting their doctor or going to a clinic or emergency room.
