3. Nausea
Many people report feeling extremely nauseous when they have meningitis. They may not realize they are sick and may confuse the symptom with indigestion. Some people even have diarrhea or constipation while also suffering from meningitis. This makes it hard to consider nausea alone as a symptom of meningitis. When it occurs with other common symptoms such as fever and severe headache, it is more likely to be related to meningitis.
Some people also experience a loss of appetite and have no desire to eat. This may be caused by nausea or other symptoms that make them uncomfortable. Some people become so nauseous that they end up throwing up often.
Once the diagnosis is made, a doctor can offer anti-nausea medications to help relieve this symptom. These medications can be given with antibiotics and other medications that are used the treat meningitis. Nausea is usually one of the first symptoms to subside with proper treatment.