4. Nausea and vomiting
In the early stages of meningitis, nausea and vomiting can occur. Once the infection begins to progress, it can affect the stomach, causing an upset stomach. The nausea may be minimal at first, which is why many people assume that this sign of meningitis is actually a symptom of other medical conditions, such as the flu. However, the illness advances, the nausea can become so intense that it can actually result in vomiting. Nevertheless, many people still do write this symptom off, assuming that it may be a sign of food poisoning or another gastrointestinal condition.
As the nausea intensifies, vomiting can occur, as can a loss of appetite and weight loss, which can lead to other health complications. If you discover that you are feeling sick to your stomach, don’t assume that it’s just an upset stomach that will pass; especially if you are experiencing any of the other symptoms listed here. Seek medical care to rule out or diagnose meningitis.