{"id":2402,"date":"2018-08-14T11:21:14","date_gmt":"2018-08-14T11:21:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=2402"},"modified":"2021-03-19T15:36:24","modified_gmt":"2021-03-19T15:36:24","slug":"10-alarming-meningitis-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/10-alarming-meningitis-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Alarming Meningitis Symptoms"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Meningitis is a rare condition that causes an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that surround the spinal cord and the brain. There are three main types of meningitis, including viral, bacterial, and fungal, and it can affect people of all ages. The most common type is viral meningitis. It\u2019s usually caused by a collection of viruses that are referred to as enteroviruses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This type of meningitis is spread from person to person and it tends to be the least severe, with the majority of people recovering without the need for medical care. Bacterial meningitis is the most severe and can be life-threatening. It occurs when bacteria in the bloodstream travel to the spinal cord and brain; though it can also be the result of bacteria that directly attack the meninges. Fungal meningitis is the least common. It isn\u2019t contagious, but it does lead to chronic meningitis and can be life-threatening if it is not treated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the severity varies, it\u2019s important to be aware of the signs of meningitis so that you can receive prompt medical care. If you experience any of the following symptoms, there\u2019s a good chance you have meningitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. A fever<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the first symptoms associated with meningitis is the sudden onset of a fever, particularly with bacterial meningitis. As the infection travels to the membranes that surround the spinal cord and brain, the immune system is activated and responds by elevating the temperature of the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A fever <\/a>can develop within just a few days of developing meningitis. Since this is a symptom that can be associated with many less severe conditions, such as the flu, many people write it off and do not receive the prompt medical care that they need. Furthermore, if someone affected by meningitis does develop a fever and seeks medical care, it can still be difficult to determine if meningitis is the cause. If you experience the sudden onset of a fever and experience any of the other symptoms that are mentioned on this list, make sure you seek medical care and that you demand a thorough assessment to rule out or identify meningitis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. A headache<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another telltale symptom of meningitis is a headache<\/a>; however, because this symptom is often associated with other, less severe conditions, it is often dismissed as a sign of meningitis. The difference with a meningitis-related headache and a headache that results from other ailments, such as the flu, a cold, or a sinus infection, is that it tends to be severe and ongoing. In the beginning, a meningitis-related headache is usually dull and mild; however, as the infection worsens, the pain will become more severe. Typically, the headache will being with the onset of a fever. The difference between a meningitis-related headache and a headache that is associated with other types of ailments is the type of pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients who have suffered from this infection report that the headache they experienced is unlike any other headache that they have experienced before. Therefore, if you find that you are suffering from headache pain that you have never experienced and you have also developed other symptoms on this list, seek medical help as soon as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Stiffness in the neck<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Stiffness <\/a>in the neck is also one of the first \u2013 and telltale \u2013 symptoms of meningitis. As the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and the spinal cord, become inflamed, stiffness in the neck can occur. At first, the stiffness can feel like you pulled a muscle or slept on your neck in a strange position, which is why many people dismiss this symptom of meningitis, assuming that it isn\u2019t anything to worry about and that the pain will pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, as time goes on, the stiffness will become more intense and the pain will increase, no matter what type of remedy you use to try and ease it (hot compresses, ice packs, over the counter pain relievers, etc). Many patients with meningitis have stated that the stiffness and pain in their necks became debilitating. If you find that you are experiencing stiffness in your neck and that the pain is associated with a headache, a fever, or any other symptom mentioned on this list, seek immediate medical care. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Nausea and vomiting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the early stages of meningitis, nausea and vomiting <\/a>can occur. Once the infection begins to progress, it can affect the stomach, causing an upset stomach. The nausea may be minimal at first, which is why many people assume that this sign of meningitis is actually a symptom of other medical conditions, such as the flu. However, the illness advances, the nausea can become so intense that it can actually result in vomiting. Nevertheless, many people still do write this symptom off, assuming that it may be a sign of food poisoning or another gastrointestinal condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the nausea intensifies, vomiting can occur, as can a loss of appetite and weight loss, which can lead to other health complications. If you discover that you are feeling sick to your stomach, don\u2019t assume that it\u2019s just an upset stomach that will pass; especially if you are experiencing any of the other symptoms listed here. Seek medical care to rule out or diagnose meningitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The upset stomach <\/a>and vomiting that can be associated with meningitis can lead to a loss of appetite. That\u2019s understandable, as eating when your stomach is upset or when you are throwing up is definitely something that is not desirable; especially when food can increase the level of discomfort. Of course, as your appetite decreases, you will begin to lose weight. Unfortunately, many patients who experience an upset stomach and loss of appetite often assume that the symptoms they are experiencing are the result of another less serious condition, such as the flu or food poisoning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not eating only compounds meningitis, as the nutrients in food are vital in order to maintain the physical strength that is needed to fight this illness. If you are experiencing an upset stomach and your appetite has significantly decreased, there is a chance that you could be suffering from meningitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. A skin rash<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Certain types of meningitis can cause a skin rash<\/a>; particularly in children and babies. Some babies who are afflicted with meningitis may also develop a bulge in the soft spot that is located on the top of their heads. A skin rash is the result of bacteria that are multiplying throughout the bloodstream. This bacteria can release poisons and damage blood vessels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the blood vessels become damaged, a rash can appear. The rash that is associated with meningitis is usually small in size and it may appear in patches across various parts of the body. It can look like small pinpricks. If you develop a rash, you may be able to determine if it is the result of meningitis by conducting what is known as a Glass TestFirmly press a clear drinking glass onto the rash. If it appears to stay the same size and is clearly visible through the glass, pay a visit to your doctor immediately. If the rash is not associate with meningitis, it will likely fade when pressure is applied to the glass. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Sensitivity to light<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

All types of meningitis can also cause photophobia<\/a>, or light sensitivity. This symptom is marked by an adverse reaction to light exposure; for example, you may find that it is difficult to keep your eyes full open when you are under any type of light (even dim light).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you do spend time in light, you will likely end up squinting and developing a headache, which will only further compound the headache that you may already be experiencing as a result of meningitis. After contracting meningitis, it may take a few days to develop a sensitivity to light; however, once this symptom develops and the condition becomes worse, so will light sensitivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meningitis photophobia can cause vision problems, making it become blurred and unfocused. That\u2019s because it can swell the optic nerve. In severe cases, partial or complete blindness can develop, as the optic nerve can become severely damaged, and that damage may be irreparable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Mental confusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Meningitis causes an in the membranes that surround the brain. As a result of this inflammation<\/a>, mental confusion can occur. With this confusion can also come a decrease in focus, loss of memory, and interrupted sleep. Many patients who have been diagnosed with meningitis and experienced mental confusion assume that this symptom is due to a lack of sleep, depression, anxiety, and therefore write their mental confusion off as something that isn\u2019t truly severe or life threatening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With time, the mental confusion caused by meningitis will progress and can become quite alarming. Since this condition can have devastating effects, it is vital to seek immediate medical attention if you find that you feel you are suddenly confused. This is especially true if you are also experiencing a fever, a headache, stiffness in the neck, nausea and vomiting, and other symptoms of meningitis. It\u2019s far better to err on the side of caution and have a full medical examination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Changes in personality<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many people who develop meningitis experience a change in their personality. Most notably, they become irritable. The headache, stiffness in the neck, mental confusion, and difficulty with sleeping that is associated with meningitis can be quite uncomfortable, so it is understandable why this ailment can result in irritability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People of all ages can become irritable <\/a>as a result of meningitis; however, small children tend to be affected the most by this symptom. For example, babies who have meningitis can become difficult to comfort. Even in the mildest cases of meningitis, the symptoms can become extremely off-putting and can take a serious toll on a person\u2019s mental and emotional well-being, which can result in irritability. If you find that you or a loved one is acting different \u2013 is easy to anger and difficult to soothe \u2013 and if other symptoms mentioned on this list have developed, meningitis could be to blame. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Seizures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In severe cases of meningitis, seizures <\/a>can occur. This is particularly true of bacterial meningitis. As the bacteria enter the bloodstream and travel through the body, they not only cause a fever, upset stomach, and various other uncomfortable and off-putting symptoms, but they can also put more pressure on the brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The swelling of the membranes that surround the brain also put pressure on the brain. This increase in pressure on the brain can lead to seizures. Furthermore, meningitis can lower the levels of sodium in the body, which can also cause seizures. Seizures can cause serious side effects, including damage to vital organs, including the brain. If you or a loved one is experiencing seizures, especially if those seizures are associated with a fever, a headache, mental confusion, a skin rash, and any of the other symptoms that are mentioned on this list, prompt medical care is vital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Septicemia<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When the bacterial infection that causes meningitis starts to spread, due to lack of diagnosis and treatment, it can cause a severe bacterial infection of the bloodstream leading to a condition known as \u201csepticemia<\/a>.\u201d After entering the bloodstream, the bacteria spread throughout the body, carried by red blood cells to organs, muscle tissue and ligaments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The initial warning signs of septicemia include swelling and inflammation all over the body, along with pain, shortness of breath, and fever as the body tries to fight off the bacterium. If left untreated, septicemia may progress into a life-threatening condition known as sepsis. This severe complication of septicemia can be fatal in many cases if the patient doesn\u2019t seek immediate medical attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sepsis exacerbates symptoms of inflammation and can cause blood clots, leading to congestive heart failure. The low oxygen in the blood may also cause organ failure, resulting in death. Research from the National Institutes of Health shows that more than 1-million Americans develop sepsis each year, with between 28 and 50-percent of patients perishing from the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12.   Oliguria <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In rare cases, meningitis can present secondary symptoms not typically associated with the disease. However, these symptoms are an indication of meningitis bacteria spreading to other areas of the body, where it causes severe adverse health complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of these complications is oliguria<\/a>, a condition where the body decreases its urine output. When the affected individual produces less than 13,5-ounces of urine over 24-hours, the patient is showing classic signs of oliguria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If left undiagnosed and untreated, the condition may worsen, leading to the development of \u201canuria,\u201d where the body further reduces urine production to less than 1,7-ounces over 24-hours. The lack of urine production can present significant health risks to the kidneys, leading to several different forms of kidney complications and disease. If left untreated, the patient may need renal bypass surgery and may end up tied to a colostomy bag for the rest of their life. If you notice a reduction in urine flow, contact your doctor immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13.   Delirium<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This neurological disorder frequently occurs in alcoholics when they decide to sober up. As the body starts to withdraw from the alcohol, the individual may begin to experience mental confusion and bouts of delusional euphoria that leaves them feeling mentally confused and fuzzy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meningitis bacteria is also another cause of delirium <\/a>and typically occurs when the infection reaches the brain during the advanced stages of the disease. The affected individual may not even realize that they enter this delirium state, and in most cases, it\u2019s their partner or parents that recognize the symptoms of the condition when they start to appear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The inflammation caused by meningitis bacteria affects brain tissue, causing it to swell and increase intracranial pressure, leading to a loss of neurological and cognitive function. Doctors treat this inflammation using anti-inflammatory drugs to bring the cranial swelling down and return the patient to a competent state. At this stage, doctors will run blood tests and discover the presence of meningitis bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14.   Coma<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the advanced symptoms of meningitis involves the patient slipping into a coma<\/a>. While this condition is rare in patients suffering from the effects of the disease, it typically occurs when the inflammation of brain tissue reaches an unsustainable level for the brain to cope with the elevation in intracranial pressure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A patient in the advanced stages of meningitis infection may progress from delirium into the early stages of a coma, where they pass out after delirious episodes. This stage of the disease is severe, and affected individuals must seek immediate medical treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If left undiagnosed and untreated, the brain experiences a lack of oxygen to vital tissues, resulting in permanent brain damage. A coma typically lasts for a few days up to a few weeks. However, patients that have an extended coma period lasting more than a month may end up waking up in a permanent vegetative state, from which there is no recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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