What are the warning signs of spinal meningitis?

Fever, severe headache, and neck stiffness are the hallmark symptoms of meningitis. Others include: Nausea and vomiting. Confusion and disorientation (acting “goofy”)

When should you go to the ER for meningitis?

Your health care provider must find out the cause. Go to the hospital emergency department right away if you think you have symptoms of meningitis….Symptoms usually come on quickly, and may include:

  • Fever and chills.
  • Mental status changes.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Sensitivity to light.
  • Severe headache.
  • Stiff neck.

How can you rule out meningitis at home?

Gently and slowly push on the back of your neck so that your head moves forward. For better results, have someone do this for you. Note if your hips and knees flex involuntarily as you raise your head. This is a positive Brudzinski sign, meaning that you may have meningitis.

What does the start of meningitis feel like?

The first symptoms are usually fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell. Limb pain, pale skin, and cold hands and feet often appear earlier than the rash, neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights and confusion. Septicaemia can occur with or without meningitis.

Is meningitis possible without fever?

Viral meningitis usually begins with symptoms of a viral infection, such as fever, a general feeling of illness (malaise), cough, muscle aches, vomiting, loss of appetite, and headache. However, occasionally, people have no symptoms at first.

Does stiff neck mean meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the fluid and membranes (meninges) surrounding your brain and spinal cord. The swelling from meningitis typically triggers signs and symptoms such as headache, fever and a stiff neck.

Are you hospitalized for meningitis?

Treatment in hospital is recommended in all cases of bacterial meningitis, as the condition can cause serious problems and requires close monitoring. Severe viral meningitis may also be treated in hospital.