5. Stiff Neck
The nerves extending from the brainstem, towards the spinal column and through the face, are at risk of inflammation due to the development of meningoencephalitis. This network of nerves may start to cause the patient to experience symptoms of a stiff neck, as well as pain in their faces. As the amoeba destroys the nervous system at the base of the brain, the symptoms will continue to intensify, and patients will notice that they have trouble turning their heads.
Moving the neck causes symptoms of pain, and it’s often due to the discs in the cervical spine compressing against the inflamed nerves. Doctors treat the symptoms using prescription-strength anti-inflammatories and painkillers to reduce the symptoms. However, the symptoms continue to intensify as the amoeba destroys this area of the brain.
As the health of the nervous system in the base of the brain continues to degrade, the patient may also notice that they start to feel symptoms of tightness in the upper back as well.