Meningitis Symptoms
Meningitis symptoms are similar to
the symptoms you experience when you have the flu. They may develop over a period of one or two days, but some types of meningitis can prove fatal in a matter of days.
Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of a person's spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. People sometimes refer to it as
spinal meningitis. Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Knowing whether meningitis is caused by a virus or bacterium is important because the severity of illness and the treatment differ. Viral meningitis is generally less severe and resolves without specific treatment, while bacterial meningitis can be quite severe and may result in brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disability. For bacterial meningitis, it is also important to know which type of bacteria is causing the meningitis because antibiotics can prevent some types from spreading and infecting other people.
Early diagnosis and treatment are very important. If symptoms occur, the patient should see a doctor immediately. The diagnosis is usually made by growing bacteria from a sample of spinal fluid. The spinal fluid is obtained by performing a spinal tap, in which a needle is inserted into an area in the lower back where fluid in the spinal canal is readily accessible. Identification of the type of bacteria responsible is important for selection of correct antibiotics.
Meningitis Symptoms
- Seizures
- A high fever
- Severe headache
- Vomiting or nausea with headache
- Confusion
- Sleepiness or difficulty waking up
- Stiff neck
- Sensitivity to light
- Lack of interest in drinking and eating
Newborns and young infants may not have the classic symptoms of headache and stiff neck. Instead, they may cry constantly, seem unusually sleepy or irritable, and eat poorly. Sometimes the soft spots on an infant's head may bulge. A very late sign may be a spasm consisting of extreme hyperextension of the body, opisthotonos.
Seek medical care right away if you, your child or anyone in your family experience any of
the above symptoms.
Meningitis Symptoms to M
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