Symptoms of Acute Meningitis
The brain is covered by three layers of membranes (pia, arachnoid and dura mater) together called the meninges. Cerebrospinal fluid circulates through the subarachnoid space. Both viruses (aseptic/viral meningitis) and bacteria can infect the meninges and cerebrospinal fluid, causing similar symptoms, but acute bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening infection.
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Onset
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According to Merck Manuals and MedicineWorld, your first symptoms may mimic a respiratory infection with fever, sore throat, headache, runny nose and cough as well as vomiting, but you are still alert and behaving normally.
Headache/Pain
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Within 24 to 72 hours, you will develop a severe headache and start to become irritable and restless, followed by increasing confusion and disorientation. You may also have severe muscle aches and back pain.
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Neck Stiffness
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Your neck usually stiffens so that you cannot move your head up and down (although you can move it side to side). Your neck may be arched back.
Paralysis, Seizures.
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The infection interferes with circulation of blood to the brain, resulting in brain damage that can cause paralysis, stroke-like symptoms (such as inability to talk), seizures and coma.
Rash
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If meningitis is caused by Meningococcus, you may develop a red/puplish rash, especially on your trunk and legs.
Spread
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The infection can spread to the brain and other organs (kidneys, liver, heart), causing encephalitis (brain infection) and multiple organ failure.
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- Photo Credit Illustration by WC Lockwood
