Bacterial meningitis symptoms

What are symptoms of bacterial meningitis? Early meningitis symptoms may mimic the flu (influenza). Symptoms may develop over several hours or over a few days. Later symptoms of bacterial meningitis can be very serious (e.g., seizures, coma ). For this reason, anyone who thinks they may have meningitis should see a doctor as soon as possible.

You want to watch for high fever , headaches , and an inability to lower your chin to your chest due to stiffness in the neck.

In older children and adults, you may see confusion , irritability , increasing drowsiness. At least one of these three symptoms is present in percent. Other symptoms or signs of increased intracranial pressure from swelling. In babies, less specific symptoms may appear,. Risk factors for bacterial meningitis include: Age — infants , teens, and young adults are at particular risk.

Spending time in crowded quarters, such as in college or boarding school dormitories, military barracks, or daycare settings. Diseases , medication , or surgical procedures that weaken the immune system. Be on the lookout for these signs in you or your family: Stiff neck that sometimes makes it hard to touch your chin to your chest.

Headache , which can be severe. Discomfort from bright lights. The hallmark symptoms of bacterial meningitis are: high fever. The most common symptoms are fever, headache, and neck stiffness. Respiratory difficulties.

Children with bacterial meningitis may experience: Fever. Some children may exhibit one or more bacterial meningitis signs and symptoms but they are usually less severe. Initial symptoms of viral meningitis are similar to those for bacterial meningitis.

However, bacterial meningitis is usually severe and can cause serious complications, such as brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disabilities. Find to health issues you can trust from Healthgrades. The symptoms of bacterial meningitis can resemble symptoms of other diseases, such as influenza. Possible symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, irritability, and nausea, and vomiting. Fever can be very high and the headache can be intense.

How is bacterial meningitis diagnosed? It is important that you seek immediate medical assistance if you suspect meningitis. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam.

These are the most common symptoms of meningitis : Fever. Sensitivity to bright light.

Young children often exhibit only nonspecific symptoms , such as irritability, drowsiness, or poor feeding. As with viral meningitis, if you have a high fever, headaches, and can’t lower your chin to your chest, call a doctor right away. If left untreate meningitis can be fatal. Knowing the common symptoms of the illness can help you identify it and seek medical treatment promptly. The sooner a patient begins treatment, the more likely they are to recover without complications.

Here are some of the most common symptoms of bacterial meningitis. Meningitis - Bacterial meningitis is an emergency. You will need immediate treatment in a hospital. The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Bacterial meningitis includes the symptoms listed below: Tachypnoea. All types of meningitis are very serious but acute bacterial meningitis has a rapid onset and is usually fatal within hours to days without treatment.

Signs and symptoms usually include high fever, severe headache, convulsions, coma and mental confusion. A bacterial or viral infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord usually causes the swelling. There are many different bacteria that can cause meningitis , the most common are: Meningococcal.

Group B streptococcal and E. 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. Bacterial and viral meningitis can be spread to others, however both viral and bacterial meningitis are not as contagious as colds or the flu.

Transmission of meningitis requires close contact with respiratory droplets or saliva such as through kissing, sneezing, or coughing.