Meningitis Symptoms
Although there are many causes of meningitis, the general signs and symptoms of bacterial meningitis are usually the same. The three most common symptoms of meningitis are having a fever, headache and stiff neck. However, not all people who have meningitis develop all signs and symptoms. Meningitis symptoms and can appear in any order with some not appearing at all. If left untreated, meningitis can lead to death or leave one with lifelong disabilities. Therefore, early detection of meningitis by a health professional is very important.
Other symptoms of meningitis include:
- A high temperature
- Cold hands and feet
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Breathing quickly
- Muscle and joint pain
- Pale, mottled or blotchy skin
- Spots or a rash
- Headache
- A stiff neck
- A dislike of bright lights
- Being very sleepy or difficult to wake
- Fits or seizures
To download these symptoms click here
Symptoms in babies
Children below 5 years old are the most vulnerable age group to meningitis and they may have the following symptoms:
- Refuse feeds
- Be irritable
- Have a high-pitched cry
- Have a stiff body, be floppy or unresponsive
- Have a bulging soft spot on top of their head
Septicaemia Rash
Septicaemia rash is one of the signs of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia that is exclusively associated with meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis. The rash appears as reddish or purple and blotchy and develops as a result of damaged blood vessels. The appearance of this rash varies across different skin tones and much difficult to identify on darker skin tones. The glass test can be used to determine whether the rash is a symptom of meningitis or not.
Follow this link to try out the test!
Someone with meningitis, septicaemia or meningococcal disease can get worse very quickly. It is important to immediately seek medical attention.
