Symptoms of Bacterial Meningitis
November 2, 2008
The symptoms of bacterial meningitis usually begin abruptly and rapidly worsen. If you suspect a case of bacterial meningitis phone 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.
Symptoms include:
a severe headache,
fever,
vomiting,
drowsiness,
confusion,
seizures or fits,
cannot tolerate bright lights (photophobia) - this is less common in young children, and
a stiff neck - this is also less common in young children.
Often in cases of meningitis a blotchy red rash can appear on the skin. Unlike most other rashes, this rash will not fade or change colour when you place a glass against it.
However, the rash does not occur in all cases so you should not assume that an absence of a rash means that a diagnosis of meningitis can be ruled out.
Symptoms of bacterial meningitis can appear differently in babies and young children. Possible symptoms include:
becoming floppy and unresponsive,
becoming irritable and dislike being held,
unusual crying,
vomiting,
skin becomes pale and blotchy, and
loss of appetite
Some babies will develop a swelling in the soft part of their head
If in any doubt, trust your instinct and phone 999.
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