Bacterial Meningitis - Symptoms

What are the symptoms of bacterial meningitis?

Inflammation accounts for some of the key symptoms of bacterial meningitis, such as headache, sensitivity to light, and neck stiffness.

Common symptoms of bacterial meningitis

Common symptoms of bacterial meningitis include:

Difficulty thinking clearly
Fever
Generalized aches and pains
Headache
Increased sensitivity to light
Irritability in children
Loss of appetite or poor feeding in children and infants
Malaise or lethargy
Neck stiffness
Rash
Seizure

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

In some cases, acute meningitis can be life threatening. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:

Change in level of consciousness or alertness, such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Change in mental status or sudden behavior change, such as confusion, delirium, lethargy, hallucinations and delusions
High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
Seizure
Severe dizziness or sudden loss of balance
Severe headache
Unusual irritability or poor feeding in children and infants
Unusual neck stiffness or pain

INTRODUCTION

What is bacterial meningitis?

Bacterial meningitis is an infection, caused by bacteria, of the sac surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Typical symptoms include headache, sensitivity to light, and neck stiffness. Fever is often present.... Read more about bacterial meningitis introduction

CAUSES

What causes bacterial meningitis?

The most common causes of bacterial meningitis include Haemophilus influenzae type b (also known as Hib), Neisseria meningitidis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, although Haemophilus influenzae type b is not as common as it once was due to vaccination practices. Other bacteria that can cause bacterial meningitis include Escherichia coli, group B streptococci, Listeria monocytogenes, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.... Read more about bacterial meningitis causes

TREATMENTS

How is bacterial meningitis treated?

The best treatment for acute meningitis is avoiding it in the first place. Effective vaccines have been developed against the three most common causes of bacterial meningitis, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Neisseria meningitidis, and Streptococcus pneumonia.... Read more about bacterial meningitis treatments