What are 3 symptoms of meningitis?

Symptoms of meningitis, septicaemia and meningococcal disease include:
  • a high temperature.
  • cold hands and feet.
  • vomiting.
  • confusion.
  • breathing quickly.
  • muscle and joint pain.
  • pale, mottled or blotchy skin.
  • spots or a rash.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on nhs.uk


What are first meningitis symptoms?

Meningitis and septicaemia can kill in hours - know the symptoms. 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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on meningitis.org


What are the 3 types of meningitis?

There are a few different types of meningitis, including viral, bacterial, and fungal meningitis.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on merckmanuals.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on everydayhealth.com


The Signs and Symptoms of Meningitis



What are 6 symptoms of meningitis?

Symptoms
  • Sudden high fever.
  • Stiff neck.
  • Severe headache that seems different from normal.
  • Headache with nausea or vomiting.
  • Confusion or difficulty concentrating.
  • Seizures.
  • Sleepiness or difficulty waking.
  • Sensitivity to light.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mayoclinic.org


Where is a meningitis headache located?

The headache is generalized all over the head. Drowsiness and confusion may be present in the more severe cases. Seizures are rare in meningitis, but common in encephalitis which is an infection of the brain tissue. The onset of the headache and fever usually occurs quite rapidly.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on headaches.org


Where does neck hurt 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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on medicalnewstoday.com


What does neck pain from meningitis feel like?

Meningitis neck pain feels different. It gets worse when you stretch, and can involve more than just your neck and shoulder area. "Moving the neck up or down stretches the inflamed tissues of the meninges, which causes an intense, deep pain that may extend into the head or down the back," says Even.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on prevention.com


Can meningitis heal by itself?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on cdc.gov


What can be mistaken for meningitis?

In people of all ages, bacterial meningitis can be misdiagnosed as viral meningitis or even strep throat, which causes a delay in the appropriate treatment.
...
Complications may include:
  • Brain damage.
  • Sepsis.
  • Organ failure.
  • Seizures.
  • Amputation.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on passenpowell.com


What happens when you have meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the membranes (meninges) that protect the spinal cord and brain. When the membranes become infected, they swell and press on the spinal cord or brain. This can cause life-threatening problems. Meningitis symptoms strike suddenly and worsen quickly.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on hopkinsmedicine.org


Who is at risk for meningitis?

Infants, teens and young adults, and older adults have the highest rates of meningococcal disease in the United States.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on cdc.gov


What are the 5 types of meningitis?

Meningitis
  • Bacterial Meningitis. Meningitis caused by bacteria can be deadly and requires immediate medical attention. ...
  • Viral Meningitis. Meningitis caused by viruses is serious but often is less severe than bacterial meningitis. ...
  • Fungal Meningitis. ...
  • Parasitic Meningitis. ...
  • Amebic Meningitis. ...
  • Non-Infectious Meningitis.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on cdc.gov


How high is a fever with meningitis?

Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include: a high temperature (fever) over 37.5C (99.5F) being sick. a headache.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on nhsinform.scot


Does meningitis always have a fever?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on spine-health.com


Does your back hurt with meningitis?

Back pain: Back pain caused by meningitis is typically made worse when you bend your legs close to your chest in a fetal position, though it can also be exacerbated by any change in position and it may be present all the time.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on verywellhealth.com


How can you test for meningitis at home?

Gently and slowly push on the back of your neck so that your head moves forward. For better results, have someone do this for you. Note if your hips and knees flex involuntarily as you raise your head. This is a positive Brudzinski sign, meaning that you may have meningitis.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on rush.edu


Is sore throat a symptom of 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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on merckmanuals.com


Do you get a cough with meningitis?

Meningitis can start out like a cold or the flu and may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as coughing, runny noses, and sore throats. After a while, the symptoms worsen and the classic symptoms of meningitis appear: headaches, fevers, and stiff neck.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on parents.com


When should I be concerned about neck pain?

Seek medical care if your neck pain is accompanied by numbness or loss of strength in your arms or hands or if you have shooting pain into your shoulder or down your arm.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mayoclinic.org


How does meningitis affect the eyes?

Changes in sight can be a permanent or temporary effect of meningitis. Damage to the optic nerve can result in partial sight loss or blindness in one or both eyes. Swelling of optic nerves can produce temporary eyesight difficulties.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on meningitisnow.org


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthclinics.superdrug.com


When should you be concerned about a headache?

sudden, very intense headache pain (thunderclap headache) severe or sharp headache pain for the first time. a stiff neck and fever. a fever higher than 102 to 104°F.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com