8 Common Signs Of Meningitis

Jun 15, 2018

We’ve all heard of the disease meningitis, but are you aware of the dangers that can occur when left untreated? Particularly, the bacterial strain of meningitis needs urgent medical care in the form of antibiotics. When a person develops meningitis, there is an inflammation and infection of the brain and spinal cord’s protective and delicate membranes. Thankfully, this dangerous type of bacterial disease doesn’t develop as often as viral meningitis does. Although it’s important to treat both types of the disease, viral meningitis is not deathly and has symptoms that are much less severe. Symptoms of both types of meningitis are almost indistinguishable. These are 8 of the most recognizable signs of meningitis that you should be aware of.

Headaches that appear suddenly are common of many illnesses, but if you notice an extremely serious headache, sometimes accompanied by intense pains in your neck or head, you may be dealing with meningitis. When infants have this disease, they may develop a swelling or lump on their fontanel, the space between bones in the skull.

If you notice that all of the sudden you have a sensitivity to artificial lights or even light from the sun, you may be at risk for meningitis. This sensitivity can cause pain and distress. When children have meningitis, they will have an instinct to stay away from these bright lights due to their ability to cause watery eyes and discomfort.

People who have become impacted by meningitis often develop rashes of the skin, usually found on the arms. If you notice this symptom, conduct this easy at-home test to determine if your rash is caused by meningitis. Place a kitchen glass tautly against the rash, taking note of the light change in skin color that occurs. You’ll be pleased to hear that if your rash also changes color with the pressure of the glass, meningitis isn’t the culprit. If you don’t notice that applied pressure changes the color of your rash, you may be dealing with meningitis.

If you notice a fever that occurs seemingly out of nowhere, you may be dealing with this illness. Children who develop meningitis will shake and shiver because they feel overly cold, even if not in low-temperature conditions. Not only is the fever out of the blue, but it can also be immensely serious. If dealing with meningitis, your body temperature will rise thoroughly and will be stubborn to get rid of. Because fever is a signal of many other illnesses, take note when a fever occurs accompanied with any other symptoms of meningitis.

Commonly, severe stomachaches and lack of appetite can occur when infected with this disease. If you’re also feeling the need to throw up, or having extreme nausea, you may be ill with meningitis. ##heading## Double Vision ##/heading## Meningitis, caused by both bacteria and viruses, can create a frustrating difficulty with eyesight. You may not be able to focus and will even see double.

Common when children are infected, this sign of meningitis will cause you to have issues unbending your legs. You may find yourself suffering while laying down with your legs bent at the knee, and unable to unbend them when you try. It’ll also be difficult to extend your legs fully.

You may notice a rigidness in your occipital muscles if you’re infected with meningitis. The occipital muscles are located at the back of your head. This causes discomfort, and you may notice the infected person lying in a distinct position with their head bent towards the back of their body.

Please visit a doctor if you notice one or multiple symptoms of meningitis. It’s important to treat this disease with a medical visit, as the bacterial version can be especially dangerous and even life-threatening.

Pass this important information on to your friends and loved ones so that they can be aware of these symptoms. 

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!