{"id":9112,"date":"2019-08-16T15:58:01","date_gmt":"2019-08-16T15:58:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=9112"},"modified":"2021-06-21T14:47:14","modified_gmt":"2021-06-21T14:47:14","slug":"15-general-signs-of-bacterial-meningitis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/15-general-signs-of-bacterial-meningitis\/","title":{"rendered":"15 General Signs of Bacterial Meningitis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Bacterial meningitis is a severe infection that affects the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can cause some serious health problems, and if left untreated, it can lead to death. It is highly contagious, and it often spread quickly through schools, daycares, and even hospitals. It can be treated with antibiotics, and the sooner the condition is diagnosed, the faster the treatment works and the better the prognosis for the patient. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The symptoms of meningitis can mimic those of many other conditions, and in the early stages of the disease, it can be hard to determine the cause of those symptoms. If the symptoms are severe or seem to come on quickly, you should hesitate to seek medical attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding the symptoms of meningitis can help you know when to seek the proper treatment and have the best chance at overcoming the disease if you ever find yourself suffering from it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Fever<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fever <\/a>is one of the first signs of meningitis infection. Unfortunately, it\u2019s also the first sign of many other illnesses. A fever can be treated with medication, and many people choose to do so and ignore it until it becomes severe. A fever with meningitis is harder to treat. It may be higher than a normal fever, and it may not go away or even be reduced with medication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anytime a fever seems severe or lasts more than a couple days; you should see a doctor. Doctors can perform tests to determine the exact cause of the fever and find out if it is meningitis or another infection or virus. Some other illnesses that have fever as the main symptom can also turn into meningitis if not treated.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A severe fever should never be ignored. It is the body’s response to a bacteria or virus that has invaded the bloodstream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Stiff Neck<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A stiff neck<\/a> is another common symptom of meningitis.\u00a0 There are many things that can cause a stiff neck aside from meningitis, so it is only considered a symptom if it occurs with other symptoms of the condition. Sleeping on your neck wrong, an injury, or even tension can cause a stiff neck. If the stiff neck occurs with a fever, headache, and light sensitivity, it is more likely to be a symptom of meningitis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors often check for a stiff neck or neck pain when attempting to diagnose a patient with meningitis. In addition to the neck being stiff, many people find it hard to tuck their chin to their chest. They may feel severe pain when attempting to do so, or meningitis may be so severe that it prevents them from physically being able to do so. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you experience a stiff neck with any other symptoms of meningitis, you should seek medical attention quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Severe Headache<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Headaches <\/a>are common and not typically a sign for alarm. You may get a headache for a lot of reasons. Stress, fatigue, the flu, sinus problems, tension, allergies, and any other things can cause a headache. Many people are able to find relief by taking over-the-counter pain medications. With meningitis, the headache may be unbearable and so serious that you may feel the need to seek medical attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pain medications may not reduce the pain, and it can be accompanied by migraine symptoms and nausea. People who have had meningitis say that the headaches are the worst that they have ever had. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those who suffer migraines may not be able to differentiate between a severe headache caused by meningitis and a migraine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the headache occurs with other symptoms, specifically a fever, it could be a sign of meningitis or another serious infection and may require immediate medical care. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Confusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Meningitis <\/a>can cause a lot of problems, and some people experience confusion. This could be the result of a high fever, severe headache, or the swelling on the brain caused by the infection. Confusion is always a sign of concern because it means something isn\u2019t right. The body cannot process information correctly if there is a problem. Most people seek medical attention at the first sign of confusion. Others are so confused and worried about what\u2019s going on with their bodies and minds that they don\u2019t know what to do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are experiencing symptoms of confusion along with other symptoms of meningitis, you should contact a doctor. Confusion often occurs in the later stages of the condition, and waiting for medical attention can make it harder to treat the problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Confusion alone may not be considered a symptom of meningitis, but it may still be a sign of another serious problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Light Sensitivity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another tell-tale sign of meningitis is light sensitivity<\/a>.\u00a0 It may be hard for the person to be in a room with lights, watch television or look at a phone or computer screen. Sunlight can be particularly painful, and the person may find it hard to be outside, even if they wear sunglasses and have their eyes closed. Light sensitivity is also common with other health problems and conditions, including sinus infections, migraines, and eye problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, it is only short-term and no reason for alarm. If light sensitivity presents itself with meningitis symptoms, it shouldn\u2019t be ignored. Light sensitivity can even last after a person begins treatment for meningitis or after the disease has been successfully treated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people experience light sensitivity for weeks after getting over meningitis.  Light sensitivity can be accompanied by a headache, or it can make a headache more severe. It can be treated separately once the meningitis is treated successfully. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. No Appetite<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Meningitis may affect the brain and bloodstream<\/a>, but it can also have an effect on your digestive system. Many people who are suffering from the condition find they are nauseous or have no appetite in the early stages of the infection. Loss of appetite is common with many illnesses, so many people don\u2019t associate it with meningitis unless other symptoms are present as well.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people lose their appetite as the result of the other symptoms of meningitis, such as the headache, stiff neck, and fatigue. They just don\u2019t feel like eating. Anytime the body is fighting an infection; the appetite can be reduced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people may also lose their appetites for a day or two if they are experiencing stomach or digestive problems. Long-term appetite loss is not normal and is dangerous.  Doctors will take this symptom into consideration with others when trying to make a diagnosis of meningitis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Seizures<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Since meningitis has an effect on the brain and nervous system, it can lead to seizures<\/a>. People who already have conditions that involve seizures may have a hard time determining if the seizures a result of meningitis or a preexisting condition. Doctors look for the presence of other meningitis symptoms to confirm a diagnosis. Some patients do not experience any other symptoms before experiencing a seizure and do not relate the seizure to an infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seizures can be dangerous and even lead to death. They can also be a sign that the meningitis is getting worse or in a more advanced stage. Seizures are always a cause for concern, and if you experience one, you should contact a doctor immediately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many diseases that can cause seizures, but meningitis is also a common cause.  Some people continue to suffer from seizures for days and even weeks after they recover from meningitis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Extreme Fatigue<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When the body is fighting something, it\u2019s not uncommon for the person to feel extreme fatigue<\/a>. Fevers can also lead to dehydration, which can cause fatigue as well.\u00a0 Fatigue alone is not a symptom of meningitis as it can be caused by many different things. When it accompanies other symptoms such as headaches and light sensitivity, it can be a tell-tale sign of the condition. Many people fail to seek prompt medical attention because the fatigue is so severe they just want to stay in bed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fatigue is often one of the first symptoms of meningitis and can also be a symptom of the diseases and infections that can lead to meningitis. If fatigue lasts more than just a couple days and is accompanied by other symptoms, it could mean you are suffering from meningitis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A doctor can diagnose the condition and recommend the appropriate treatment.  In most cases, antibiotics can clear up the meningitis within a week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Chills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are dealing with the onset of bacterial meningitis typically notice that they start to develop a fever in the early stages of infection. A fever is the body\u2019s natural response to defend itself against invading pathogens<\/a>. Bacterial meningitis is a much more severe form of meningitis infection, and the fever symptoms can be much stronger than those associated with the viral type of the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result of bacterial meningitis, the patient will most likely experience temperatures exceeding 101F. Doctors may let a fever run until it reaches the 100F mark. The physician does so as the fever may help to clear the infection. However, if the patient\u2019s temperature gets over 101F, it may cause swelling of the brain and the onset of seizures in the patient. Therefore, the doctor will intervene before the fever reaches this temperature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the body temperature increases, the patient may start to develop chills. As the brain signals for an increase in temperature, it takes the body a while to catch up to the new set point. As a result, the patient may start to experience chills that make them shiver with feelings of cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Delirium<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As the fever symptoms intensify and reach the 100F mark, the patient may start to show signs of delirium. Delirium <\/a>describes a condition where the patient experiences symptoms of confusion. Patients who are dealing with the onset of bacterial meningitis find that they want to sleep most of the time. When they wake up, they may not recognize the doctors or medical staff that are treating them for the infection.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The patient may also experience a loss of their surroundings, and not realize why they are in the hospital. The patient may even speak erratically or mumble words that caregivers cannot understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms of delirium show the doctor that the patient is in the advanced stages of the infection, and their temperature is dangerously high. The doctor will intervene with antibiotics to kill off the invading pathogen. As the levels of bacteria drop in the patient, their temperature returns to normal, and the symptoms of delirium lift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Nausea and Vomiting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are dealing with a case of bacterial meningitis infection may start to feel nauseous. As the bacterial attacks to the body and brain, it may cause changes in the electrical signals the brain sends to the gut. As a result, the patient starts to experience symptoms of nausea. This symptom occurs in the early stages of infection, and many doctors may confuse it with the onset of gastroenteritis <\/a>during the initial diagnosis.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if left undiagnosed and untreated, the affected individual may start to experience the onset of vomiting symptoms as well. Once again, there is nothing to suggest that the patient is suffering from infection with the meningitis bacteria, and doctors may write off these symptoms as part of a stomach bug in the patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the patient may not show signs of improvement after 24-hours, and the doctor will start to look at other reasons for the occurrence of symptoms in the affected individual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Dehydration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dehydration <\/a>is one of the more severe symptoms associated with bacterial meningitis infection \u2014 those patients who are in a dehydrated state experience a slowing of metabolic function. As a result of this slowing, the patient’s immune system may weaken further, increasing the intensity of the bacterial infection, and the patient’s symptoms.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dehydration typically occurs in patients as a result of complications with the vomiting symptoms presented by the patient. With every purge by the patient, they lose vital electrolytes and minerals, along with body fluids. As a result, dehydration sets in if the patient does not replenish both the hydration levels and mineral balance of the body. Therefore, patients must drink a rehydration beverage after each purge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If hospitalized, the patient will receive hydration through an IV drip to ensure they do not experience dehydration. If left undiagnosed and untreated, the dehydration symptoms may lead to the onset of seizures, and the patient may slip into a coma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Skin Rash<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the more peculiar symptoms of bacterial meningitis infection is the development of a skin rash<\/a>. The patient may start to notice the emergence of changes in skin color as they experience an increase in body temperature. Eventually, the patient may begin to experience the development of a rash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s common for the patient to develop small, flat spots over the eyelids and the folds in the skin. Doctors call these skin rash symptoms “petechiae.” Petechiae don’t present bumps on the surface of the skin like most other rashes. Instead, the spots have a flat appearance, and they may only be the size of a pinhead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no direct treatment for getting rid of the petechiae, and doctors treat the patient for the bacterial infection to get rid of the spots. When the infection clears, the rash symptoms will subside, and the patient experiences no permanent damage to the skin as a result of the rash symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Constant Crying in Children<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bacterial meningitis is one of those diseases that are more common in children than in adults. Preschools are breeding grounds for all types of pathogens. Children have weaker immune systems than adults, and therefore, they are at a higher risk of contracting pathogens. Adults usually contract a disease from their children, and then spread it through the adult community. One of the most notorious examples of preschool infections that spread into adults is pink eye \u2013 otherwise known as conjunctivitis<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, preschoolers can pick up bacterial meningitis at school as well. Children don\u2019t have the same levels of personal hygiene as adults. As a result, they tend to share food and drinks without giving it a second thought. This situation provides the ideal environment and behavior for the spread of disease ion the children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the telltale signs of bacterial infection in children is constant crying. The child may be unable to express their feelings of pain and sickness, and they start to cry to attract their parent\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. Inactivity or Sluggish Behavior in Babies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Babies are also at high risk of contracting bacterial meningitis. As explained, infants are yet to develop a robust immune system<\/a> capable of fighting off bacterial or viral infections. As a result, parents should limit their contact with other people for the first few weeks of life. During this stage, it\u2019s typical for newborns to come down with some infection. However, infection with bacterial meningitis can be a life-threatening situation for the child and requires immediate hospitalization to treat the infant.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most noticeable symptoms of bacterial meningitis in infants, other than the crying symptoms, is a change in energy levels and cognitive behavior. The baby may start to appear sluggish and lethargic. They may refuse to feed or develop a spaced-out look in their eyes that show they aren\u2019t engaging with the parent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Babies presenting these symptoms require immediate medical attention. The symptoms typically occur due to changes in the brain, where the bacteria may start to cause swelling that could be life-threatening in most cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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