How do I know if I've got meningitis?

The first symptoms are usually fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell. Limb pain, pale skin, and cold hands and feet often appear earlier than the rash, neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights and confusion.

How do I check myself for meningitis?

For a definitive diagnosis of meningitis, you'll need a spinal tap to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In people with meningitis, the CSF often shows a low sugar (glucose) level along with an increased white blood cell count and increased protein.

What does neck feel like with meningitis?

Meningitis can cause a stiff neck. This is because it causes inflammation and infection in the meninges surrounding the brain and spine. A person will likely feel the stiffness from the inflammation most noticeably in their neck, which is the most mobile area that the meninges cover.

Can you have meningitis and not know it?

Viral meningitis usually begins with symptoms of a viral infection, such as fever, a general feeling of illness (malaise), cough, muscle aches, vomiting, loss of appetite, and headache. However, occasionally, people have no symptoms at first.

Where does your head hurt with meningitis?

Usually headache is the predominant symptom, but fever is also usually present and the neck is stiff. Bending the neck forward greatly aggravates the pain. The headache is generalized all over the head. Drowsiness and confusion may be present in the more severe cases.

The Signs and Symptoms of Meningitis

When should you suspect meningitis?

Possible signs and symptoms in anyone older than the age of 2 include: Sudden high fever. Stiff neck. Severe headache that seems different from normal.

How long can you have meningitis without knowing?

Symptoms of bacterial meningitis can appear just a few hours, though in some cases may appear 1 to 2 days afterwards. Because of this, it is vital to seek treatment immediately if symptoms appear.

What happens if meningitis is left untreated?

If left untreated, the infection can cause brain damage or even death. Antibiotics can usually eliminate the bacteria. Still, about 10 to 15 percent of cases result in death even when antibiotics are used. Among people who recover, 11 to 19 percent will experience long-term complications.

What does meningitis look like in adults?

Meningitis symptoms in adults

rash that gets larger. a fever accompanied by cold hands and feet. severe muscle pain. vomiting.

Do you always run a fever with meningitis?

Fever. Running a fever is a common part of the immune system's defense against infections. A fever with meningitis will usually be above 103 degrees, but not always.

How do adults get meningitis?

Meningitis can affect people of any age, including adults. The three main causes of meningitis are viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. Adults with weakened immune systems are most at risk of serious meningitis complications, especially if they develop a bacterial infection of the meninges.

Does meningitis headache come and go?

Symptoms of meningitis in children vary depending on the type of meningitis. Viral meningitis often causes mild, flu-like symptoms (fever and headache) that go away on their own. Bacterial meningitis can have more serious symptoms and requires medical care right away.

How quickly does meningitis progress?

Typically, symptoms of bacterial meningitis develop within 3 to 7 days after exposure; note, this is not true for TB meningitis, which can develop much later after exposure to the bacteria. People with bacterial meningitis can have seizures, go into a coma, and even die.

Is meningitis an emergency?

Bacterial meningitis is an emergency. You will need immediate treatment in a hospital. Symptoms usually come on quickly, and may include: Fever and chills.

Who is most likely to get meningitis?

What are the 3 types of meningitis?

There are a few different types of meningitis, including viral, bacterial, and fungal meningitis.

What are the chances of dying from meningitis?

Many organisms can cause meningitis including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Bacterial meningitis is of particular concern. Around 1 in 10 people who get this type of meningitis die and 1 in 5 have severe complications. Safe affordable vaccines are the most effective way to deliver long-lasting protection.

Can meningitis be cured without treatment?

Most people who get mild viral meningitis usually recover completely in 7 to 10 days without treatment. Antiviral medicine may help people with meningitis caused by viruses such as herpesvirus and influenza. Antibiotics do not help viral infections, so they are not useful in the treatment of viral meningitis.

Do meningitis symptoms go away with ibuprofen?

Several medications, including ibuprofen and naproxen, can help relieve pain. These medications also have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help with some of the neck pain. The anti-inflammatory effect, however, is not actually strong enough to treat the inflammation of meningitis itself.

What does bacterial meningitis feel like?

The first symptoms are usually fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell. Limb pain, pale skin, and cold hands and feet often appear earlier than the rash, neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights and confusion.

What are the 5 causes of meningitis?

And while meningitis is most often caused by bacteria or a virus, did you know that physical injury, illness, and certain medications can also lead to the condition? There are actually five types of meningitis — bacterial, viral, parasitic, fungal, and non-infectious — each classified by the cause of the disease.

Do you cough with meningitis?

In most children and adults, acute bacterial meningitis begins with symptoms that slowly worsen for 3 to 5 days. These symptoms may include a general feeling of illness, fever, irritability, and vomiting. Some people have a sore throat, cough, and a runny nose.

When a stiff neck is serious?

A stiff neck is generally not a cause for alarm. However, see a doctor if: The stiffness is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a fever, a headache, or irritability. The stiffness does not go away within a few days and after trying home treatments such as NSAIDs and gentle stretching.

Can you recover from meningitis?

Recovery. If you are diagnosed with viral meningitis, you will usually find that symptoms improve within a few days and most recover fully after one to four weeks. It is common for you to experience tiredness for a longer period following this.

How high is a fever with meningitis?

High fever, above 38 C / 100.4 F, or changing body temperature, i.e. being hot and then cold. Seizures. Bulging fontanelle, the soft spot on top of a baby's head.