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Meningitis – Signs and Symptoms
Inflammation of the membranes (lining) of the brain and spinal cord, caused by viral, bacterial or rarely fungal infections. It should always be taken seriously, especially in babies, children, teenagers and young adults as it can be life-threatening.
Meningitis Symptoms
- Neck Stiffness: it is not possible to bend the head forward and bending the neck exacerbates the headache
- Headache, usually severe in intensity and generalised
- Vomiting
- General feeling of being ill and unusually irritable (this may be a significant symptom in a baby or child)
- Fever
- Purple rash
- Exposure to light is extremely painful (photobia)
- May be double vision
- Consciousness impaired, drowsiness and confusion
- May be painful, swollen and protruding eyes with restricted movement caused by blood clots in the tissues behind the eyes
- Progressive drowsiness
- May be convulsions
- May unconsiousness and coma