Meningitis Symptoms & Warning Signs

It's not easy to spot the symptoms of meningitis. People often confuse the early signs and symptoms of meningitis with the flu. In fact, meningitis may come on the heels of a flu-like illness or infection. That's why it's important to stay alert, learn the hallmark signs and symptoms of meningitis, and act quickly. It may help save a life.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis symptoms may develop within hours. Viral meningitis symptoms may also develop quickly or over several days.

Here are more common signs and symptoms of both types. Not all symptoms may appear or appear in the same order. Fever, headache, and neck stiffness are the hallmark symptoms of meningitis.

• Sudden high fever
• Severe, persistent headache
• Neck stiffness and pain that makes it difficult to touch your chin to your chest
• Nausea and vomiting, sometimes along with diarrhea
• Confusion and disorientation (acting "goofy")
• Drowsiness or sluggishness
• Eye pain or sensitivity to bright light
• Muscle or joint pain or weakness

Other Potential Signs and Symptoms of Meningitis

These are other possible signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicemia -- the life-threatening blood poisoning form of the disease :

• Abnormal skin color
• Stomach cramps
• Ice-cold hands and feet
• Dizziness
• Reddish or brownish skin rash or purple spots
• Numbness and tingling
• Seizures
  

If a red rash appears along with fever, check to see if the rash disappears when a glass is pressed against it. If it does not, this could be a sign of blood infection -- a medical emergency. Call 911 without delay. Other symptoms that might require emergency treatment include loss of consciousness, seizures, muscle weakness, or sudden severe dementia.

When to Seek Medical Care for Possible Symptoms of Meningitis

If your child or a friend of your child experiences two or more of these symptoms of meningitis at the same time - or if the symptoms are very severe or appear suddenly -- they should seek medical care right away.

• Call the doctor and describe the signs and symptoms.
• Go immediately to the nearest emergency room if a doctor is not reachable right away. The person who is sick should not drive. Call 911 if transportation is not available. Do this especially if the skin rash appears.