Spinal meningitis symptoms

What are the early signs of meningitis? How do you catch meningitis? What is the recovery time for meningitis? The swelling from meningitis typically triggers symptoms such as headache, fever and a stiff neck.

Most cases of meningitis in the United States are caused by a viral infection, but bacterial, parasitic and fungal infections are other causes.

Once infection starts, it can spread rapidly through the body. Meningitis is usually caused by a viral infection, but it can. Without treatment it can cause brain damage in a matter of hours and can be fatal within hours. The associated swelling and inflammation within the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord are responsible for the onset and manifestations of the symptoms although it is generally difficult to suspect meningitis during the early stage as the manifestation is similar to symptoms of influenza. If not treate meningitis can lead to brain swelling and cause permanent disability, coma, and even death.

Learn more about how you get meningitis, its symptoms, and how it’s treated at WebMD. The most common symptoms are fever, headache, and neck stiffness.

This is normally caused by infection but can also have non-infectious causes. Read on to learn more about. X-rays or CT scans of the chest or sinuses also may show infection in other areas that may be associated with meningitis. For a definitive diagnosis of meningitis , you'll need a spinal tap to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Spinal tap (lumbar puncture).

People often confuse the early signs and symptoms of meningitis with the flu. In fact, meningitis may come on the heels of a flu-like illness or. Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis , an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. It is often less severe than bacterial meningitis , and most people get better on their own (without treatment).

It’s typically mild and goes away without treatment. 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.

If a doctor suspects meningitis , they will collect samples of blood or cerebrospinal fluid (fluid near the spinal cord). The inflammation can be caused by a bacterial infection know as bacterial meningitis. Be aware of all the signs and symptoms.

Some may not appear at all. Tests to diagnose meningitis include blood tests, imaging tests, and a spinal tap to test cerebrospinal fluid. Antibiotics can treat bacterial meningitis.

Antiviral medicines may help some types of viral meningitis. There are vaccines to prevent some of the bacterial infections that cause meningitis. Other medicines can help treat symptoms.

Symptoms can be severe and can.