What should you do if you suspect meningitis?

What to do if you think you have meningitis?

You should get medical advice as soon as possible if you're concerned that you or your child could have meningitis. Trust your instincts and do not wait until a rash develops. Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E immediately if you think you or your child might be seriously ill.

Should I go to the doctor if I think I have meningitis?

It's very important to go to the doctor immediately if you suspect you have meningitis. This illness is potentially fatal. Also, call your doctor if you have been in close contact with someone who you know has meningitis. It is important to contact your doctor even if you don't display any symptoms.

How do you check if you have meningitis?

The most reliable way to diagnose meningitis is with a lumbar puncture . During a lumbar puncture, a doctor inserts a long, thin needle in between two vertebrae in the lower back. This allows them to withdraw some cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is the fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord.

How do you self check for meningitis?

What to Do if you Suspect Meningitis - First Aid Training - St John Ambulance

When should you suspect meningitis?

Seek immediate medical care if you or someone in your family has meningitis signs or symptoms, such as: Fever. Severe, unrelenting headache. Confusion.

What does a meningitis headache feel like?

A headache caused by meningitis is typically described as severe and unrelenting. It does not subside by taking an aspirin. Stiff neck. This symptom most commonly involves a reduced ability to flex the neck forward, also called nuchal rigidity.

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.

Does meningitis go away by itself?

In most cases, there is no specific treatment for viral meningitis. 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.

Does meningitis come on suddenly?

The first symptoms of meningitis typically happen very quickly – much like the flu, the symptoms of meningitis can come on quite suddenly and progress in a short amount of time.

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.

Which is the key symptom of meningitis?

Common Signs and Symptoms of Meningitis

In infants, symptoms may include fever, irritability, poor feeding, and lethargy. Additionally, the soft spot on the top of the head may appear to be bulging.

Does stiff neck mean meningitis?

A stiff neck is one of the symptoms of meningitis. The meninges are the protective layers that surround the brain and spinal cord. The spinal meninges cover the spinal cord and protect it from directly touching the neck, cervical spine, chest, and thoracic spine.

What are 6 symptoms of meningitis?

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.

What does the start of meningitis look like?

The meningitis “rash” can start as a blanching rash, but nearly always develops into a non-blanching red, purple or brownish petechial rash or purpura, meaning it will not disappear when pressed.

Does meningitis respond to 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.

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.

What are signs of meningitis in adults?

Do you always run a fever with meningitis?

The classic symptoms of meningitis are fever, headache, and stiff neck. Unfortunately, not everyone with meningitis has all of these symptoms.

When should I go to the ER for neck pain?

Go to an Emergency Department if you:

Have back or neck pain with fever, chills, changes in appetite or weight loss. Experience lack of bladder control, difficulty urinating or bowel control. Are having trouble sleeping due to severe pain.

Can I 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.

Does meningitis require hospitalization?

Bacterial meningitis requires immediate hospitalization. Early diagnosis and treatment will prevent brain damage and death. Bacterial meningitis is treated with intravenous antibiotics and steroids.

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.

How long can you have meningitis and not know it?

Symptoms appear within three to six days after being exposed to the virus. You can pass the virus to others for several weeks after getting the infection, even after you no longer feel sick so it is important to always wash your hands.