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Vertigo Meningitis: 22 Crucial Effects and Symptoms to Recognize

by alexxlab

What are the key effects of meningitis. How can you identify the symptoms of vertigo meningitis. What complications can arise from this serious condition. Discover the 22 crucial effects and symptoms of meningitis that everyone should be aware of.

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Understanding Meningitis: Types and Causes

Meningitis is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This serious illness can affect individuals of all ages, but young children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable.

There are several types of meningitis, each with its own distinct causes:

  • Bacterial meningitis
  • Viral meningitis
  • Aseptic meningitis
  • Herpes meningitis (a subtype of viral meningitis)

While viral meningitis is more common and generally less severe, bacterial meningitis poses a greater risk of life-threatening complications and long-term effects. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bacterial meningitis has a higher likelihood of causing permanent damage, such as hearing and vision loss. Tragically, approximately 10-15% of bacterial meningitis cases result in fatality.

Recognizing the Telltale Signs: Headache and Fever

One of the most prevalent and recognizable symptoms of meningitis is a severe headache. This intense pain is caused by inflammation of the meninges and typically affects the entire head, rather than focusing on a specific area. Unlike migraine headaches, which often affect one side of the head, meningitis-induced headaches tend to be more generalized and onset rapidly.

How can you differentiate between a meningitis headache and other types of headaches? Meningitis headaches are typically accompanied by other symptoms, such as:

  • High fever (over 99.5°F or 37.5°C)
  • Neck stiffness
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Nausea and vomiting

Fever is another critical indicator of meningitis, as it represents the body’s immune response to the infection. The CDC lists fever as a symptom of all types of meningitis, with the exception of parasitic meningitis, which is rare in humans.

When should you seek medical attention for a headache and fever?

If you or someone you know experiences a sudden, severe headache accompanied by a high fever, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.

The Meningitis Rash: A Critical Warning Sign

While not present in all cases, a distinctive rash can be a telltale sign of certain types of meningitis, particularly meningococcal meningitis. This rash is not a typical skin condition but rather the result of bleeding under the skin due to damaged blood vessels.

How does the meningitis rash appear? The characteristics can vary depending on skin tone:

  • On pale skin: Reddish or purple bruise-like patches, blotchy or mottled skin, or small pink, brown, or purple pinprick marks
  • On dark skin: May be harder to see but can be visible inside the eyelids, on the palms, soles of the feet, abdomen, and roof of the mouth

Healthcare professionals refer to these marks as petechiae. Initially, they may be 1-2 millimeters in diameter and appear in areas where the skin is under pressure, such as beneath elastic in clothing.

The Glass Test: A Simple but Crucial Assessment

A common method to assess a potential meningitis rash is the “glass test.” Here’s how to perform it:

  1. Press a clear glass tumbler firmly against the rash
  2. Observe the skin through the glass
  3. If the rash fades or disappears under pressure, it may not be related to meningitis
  4. If the rash remains visible, it could be a sign of meningococcal septicemia, requiring immediate medical attention

It’s important to note that as the infection progresses, the rash may no longer fade under pressure. Additionally, in severe cases, the extremities (hands, feet, nose, and lips) may develop large dark bruises due to compromised blood clotting and oxygen supply.

Cognitive and Behavioral Changes: Signs of Brain Involvement

Meningitis can have profound effects on cognitive function and behavior due to inflammation and swelling around the brain. These changes can manifest in various ways:

  • Confusion
  • Altered mental state
  • Irritability
  • Drowsiness
  • Difficulty concentrating

In severe cases, confusion may be one of the earliest signs of meningitis. It’s crucial to be aware of sudden changes in a person’s mental state or behavior, especially when accompanied by other symptoms of meningitis.

Long-term Cognitive Effects of Bacterial Meningitis

While many people recover fully from meningitis, some individuals may experience long-term neurological complications, particularly after bacterial meningitis. These can include:

  • Difficulty thinking and focusing
  • Memory problems
  • Learning difficulties

These long-term effects are due to neurological damage caused by the infection. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk of these complications.

Infants and Meningitis: The Bulging Fontanel

In infants, meningitis can present with unique symptoms due to their developing anatomy. One critical sign to watch for is a bulging fontanel, which is the soft spot on a baby’s head where the skull bones have not yet fused.

Under normal circumstances, an infant’s fontanel should feel firm and slightly indented. However, in cases of meningitis, brain swelling or fluid buildup can cause the fontanel to bulge outward.

Is a bulging fontanel always a sign of meningitis?

While a bulging fontanel can be a sign of meningitis, it’s important to note that there are other potential causes. A 2021 study highlighted that a bulging fontanel doesn’t necessarily indicate bacterial meningitis. However, if an infant’s fontanel starts to bulge, especially in conjunction with other symptoms, immediate medical attention is crucial.

Other symptoms to watch for in infants with suspected meningitis include:

  • Excessive crying or irritability
  • Refusal to feed
  • Lethargy or unresponsiveness
  • Fever
  • Vomiting

Neck Pain and Stiffness: The Brudzinski Sign

One of the hallmark symptoms of meningitis is neck pain and stiffness, also known as the Brudzinski sign. This symptom results from inflammation in the spinal cord and can be a crucial indicator of meningitis.

The Brudzinski sign is characterized by:

  • Pain and stiffness when trying to move the neck
  • Difficulty or inability to touch the chin to the chest
  • Involuntary flexion of the hips and knees when the neck is flexed

How is the Brudzinski sign tested?

Healthcare professionals may perform a specific test to check for the Brudzinski sign:

  1. The patient lies on their back
  2. The examiner gently lifts the patient’s head
  3. If meningitis is present, the patient may involuntarily flex their hips and knees

It’s important to note that while the Brudzinski sign can be a valuable diagnostic tool, it should always be evaluated in conjunction with other symptoms and diagnostic tests.

Sensory Disturbances: Light and Sound Sensitivity

Meningitis can cause significant discomfort and sensitivity to sensory stimuli, particularly light and sound. This heightened sensitivity is due to inflammation affecting the nerves and brain tissue.

Common sensory disturbances in meningitis include:

  • Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
  • Phonophobia (sensitivity to sound)
  • Increased irritability to touch or movement

These sensory disturbances can be particularly distressing for patients and may lead to behaviors such as seeking out dark, quiet environments or covering the eyes and ears.

How do sensory disturbances affect diagnosis and treatment?

Recognizing these sensory sensitivities can be crucial in diagnosing meningitis, especially in cases where other symptoms may be less pronounced. Healthcare providers may need to adjust their examination techniques and treatment environments to accommodate these sensitivities, ensuring patient comfort while still providing necessary care.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Nausea and Vomiting

While not as well-known as some other symptoms, gastrointestinal disturbances can be significant indicators of meningitis. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that often accompany the headache and fever associated with the condition.

These symptoms may occur due to:

  • Increased intracranial pressure
  • Inflammation affecting the brain’s regulatory centers
  • General systemic effects of the infection

It’s important to note that while nausea and vomiting can be symptoms of many illnesses, their presence alongside other meningitis symptoms warrants immediate medical attention.

How can you differentiate between meningitis-related and other causes of nausea and vomiting?

Context is key when evaluating nausea and vomiting as potential symptoms of meningitis. Consider the following factors:

  • Presence of other meningitis symptoms (headache, fever, neck stiffness)
  • Sudden onset and severity of symptoms
  • Lack of other explanatory factors (e.g., food poisoning, pregnancy)

If nausea and vomiting occur alongside other concerning symptoms, seeking prompt medical evaluation is crucial.

Neurological Complications: Seizures and Altered Consciousness

As meningitis progresses, it can lead to severe neurological complications, including seizures and altered states of consciousness. These symptoms indicate significant brain involvement and require immediate medical intervention.

Potential neurological complications of meningitis include:

  • Seizures (focal or generalized)
  • Altered mental status or confusion
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Coma

What causes seizures in meningitis?

Seizures in meningitis can occur due to several factors:

  • Inflammation and swelling of brain tissue
  • Electrolyte imbalances
  • Fever
  • Direct effects of the infectious agent on brain cells

The presence of seizures or altered consciousness in a person with suspected meningitis is a medical emergency requiring immediate hospitalization and treatment.

Long-term Effects: Hearing Loss and Cognitive Impairment

While many people recover fully from meningitis with prompt treatment, some individuals may experience long-term effects, particularly after bacterial meningitis. These lasting impacts can significantly affect a person’s quality of life and require ongoing management.

Potential long-term effects of meningitis include:

  • Hearing loss (partial or complete)
  • Vision problems
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Learning difficulties
  • Memory problems
  • Balance and coordination issues

How common are long-term effects after meningitis?

The likelihood of experiencing long-term effects varies depending on several factors:

  • Type of meningitis (bacterial meningitis is more likely to cause lasting effects)
  • Severity of the infection
  • Timeliness of treatment
  • Individual patient factors (age, overall health, etc.)

According to research, up to 20% of survivors of bacterial meningitis may experience some form of long-term sequelae. Regular follow-up care and support are essential for managing these potential long-term effects.

Understanding the various effects and symptoms of meningitis is crucial for early recognition and prompt treatment of this potentially life-threatening condition. By being aware of the signs, from the classic triad of headache, fever, and neck stiffness to more subtle indicators like sensory disturbances and cognitive changes, individuals can seek timely medical care. Remember, meningitis can progress rapidly, and early intervention is key to improving outcomes and reducing the risk of long-term complications. If you or someone you know experiences symptoms suggestive of meningitis, don’t hesitate to seek immediate medical attention. Awareness and swift action can save lives and minimize the lasting impact of this serious illness.

22 effects of meningitis

Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, which are the membranes that protect the brain and the spinal cord. It can cause various symptoms, including headaches, a rash, and a fever.

Meningitis can cause serious complications and can quickly become life threatening. Anyone can develop meningitis, but young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk.

The different types of meningitis depend on the cause and include:

  • bacterial
  • aseptic
  • herpes meningitis, which is a type of viral meningitis

How symptoms affect a person may depend on the type.

Viral meningitis is more common and usually less severe than bacterial meningitis. While both types are serious, bacterial meningitis is more likely to be life threatening.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also note that bacterial meningitis has a higher likelihood of leading to long-term complications, such as hearing and vision loss.

Around 10–15% of cases of bacterial meningitis are fatal. Being able to recognize the signs and symptoms is essential, as prompt medical attention can save lives and reduce the risk of complications.

In this article, find out about how to recognize the signs of meningitis.

One of the most common symptoms of meningitis is a severe headache. This is due to inflammation in the meninges, which are the membranes surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. The inflammation can result in significant pain.

The headache tends to start quickly and affect the whole head, rather than focusing on one location.

This headache can resemble a migraine headache. However, a migraine headache is more likely to affect one side of the head.

Some types of meningitis may cause a rash. This is not a skin rash, as it results from bleeding under the skin. If bacteria enter the bloodstream, small blood vessels can break, leading to marks under the skin that healthcare professionals call petechiae.

Not everyone with meningitis will have a rash. It is most likely to occur with meningococcal meningitis, a type of bacterial meningitis.

On pale skin, petechiae may appear as reddish or purple bruise-like patches or as blotchy or mottled skin.

It may also appear as small pink, brown, or purple pinprick marks under the skin that may resemble fleabites. At first, they are likely to be 1–2 millimeters in diameter and appear where the skin is under pressure, for example, under elastic in clothing.

On dark skin, petechiae can be harder to see but may be visible inside the eyelids and on the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, the abdomen, and the roof of the mouth.

Skin symptoms that evolve quickly can be a sign of severe and rapidly developing disease.

At first, if a person presses a glass tumbler on the rash, the rash may disappear. In time, however, it will remain visible with the same test.

As the infection develops, it can affect blood clotting, making it harder for oxygen to reach the extremities, usually the hands and feet, but likely also the nose and lips.

These areas, and possibly the arms and legs, may develop large dark bruises, which can eventually become blackened, as tissues die due to a lack of oxygen.

Anyone who has skin changes with a headache and fever should seek immediate medical advice.

Here, learn what a meningitis rash looks like and how to test it.

A fever is part of the body’s immune response. It can happen when the body notices an unwanted invader, such as a virus or bacterium.

A person with meningitis may suddenly develop a high fever of over 99.5°F (37.5°C).

The CDC lists fever as a symptom of all types of meningitis except parasitic meningitis, which is rare in humans.

Swelling and inflammation around the brain can causeconfusion and behavioral changes. For people with severe symptoms, confusion may be an early sign.

In some cases, long-term problems can occur after bacterial meningitis, such as:

  • difficulty thinking and focusing
  • problems with memory
  • learning difficulties

These effects are due to long-term neurological damage.

Babies have areas on the head known as a fontanel. This is a gap where the skull’s bones have not yet fused together.

The largest fontanel is on top of the head and should feel firm and slightly indented. If a baby’s fontanel appears to be bulging, this could be a sign of brain swelling or fluid buildup. It could indicate bacterial meningitis.

A 2021 study notes that there are many reasons for a bulging fontanel and that it does not necessarily mean an infant has bacterial meningitis.

However, if an infant’s fontanel starts to bulge, someone should seek medical advice as soon as possible, especially if the infant has other symptoms.

Learn what else a bulging fontanel can mean in a baby here.

Pain and stiffness in the neck, which healthcare professionals call Brudzinski sign, are a common indication of meningitis. They result from inflammation in the spinal cord. Moreover, the pain may worsen when a person bends their neck forward.

A child or baby with a stiff neck from meningitis may hold their head and neck straight and be unwilling or unable to bend the head forward.

However, experts say that Brudzinki sign may not be a reliable sign of meningitis for everyone. Infants aged under 6 months, older adults, people with a weakened immune system, and those in a coma are less likely to have this symptom.

Learn more about the link between a stiff neck and meningitis here.

A person with meningitis may become sensitive to light. Babies or children may cry or turn away from light.

The CDC lists sensitivity to light, or photophobia, as a symptom of all types of meningitis except amebic meningitis. This is a rare type of meningitis that can result from exposure to water where the ameba Naegleria fowleri is present.

Other possible causes of photophobia include:

  • migraine
  • traumatic brain injury
  • tumors
  • stroke
  • various eye conditions

Find out more about photophobia here.

If a person cannot be woken or seems excessively sleepy, this may be an early symptom of meningitis infection. The illness may affect the brain’s alertness, making it hard for a person to stay awake.

Some older research has found links between long-term sleep problems and both viral and bacterial meningitis. People have reported reduced sleep quality and feeling less rested after sleep 1 year after first having symptoms of meningitis. Experts believe this may be due to long-term neurological changes in the brain.

Learn about other causes of excessive sleepiness here.

Lethargy is a common symptom of bacterial and viral meningitis in both adults and children. An infant with bacterial meningitis may appear slow or inactive and may not wake for feeds.

A person with parasitic meningitis may experienceweakness or paralysis.

If the bacteria that cause meningococcal meningitis enter the bloodstream, a person may develop flu-like symptoms, including fatigue.

They may also notice:

  • rapid breathing
  • fever and chills
  • vomiting, diarrhea, or both
  • cold hands and feet
  • aches and pains in the abdomen, chest, joints, and muscles
  • petechiae

People who have recovered from meningitis may also experience long-term fatigue, including:

  • difficulty focusing and remembering things
  • sensitivity to noise and light
  • emotional changes
  • irritability
  • sensitivity to stress
  • sleep disturbances
  • headache

These symptoms may make it difficult to return to work.

Learn about other causes of fatigue here.

A reduced appetite can be a symptom of viral or bacterial meningitis in both adults and children. Infants may not be interested in feeding.

What are some other causes of a low appetite?

A severe headache, brain swelling, and the body’s defense against the illness can cause stomach upset and vomiting, especially in children.

Learn about some other causes of nausea and vomiting here.

Meningitis can lead to changes in mental status and a loss of consciousness. In some cases, coma can occur.

The authors of a 2014 study note that doctors do not always know exactly why this happens. Contributing factors may include:

  • severe inflammation
  • increased pressure on the brain
  • other complications, such as a seizure
  • the use of sedative medication

The researchers conclude that people with reduced levels of consciousness due to bacterial meningitis may have a poorer outlook than those whose consciousness levels are not affected.

However, they note that a score of 3 — the lowest score on the Glasgow Coma Scale — is rare with bacterial meningitis.

When meningitis causes brain swelling or pressure, it can disrupt the brain’s normal function, resulting in a seizure.

Having seizures during an episode of meningitis does not mean that a person has or will develop epilepsy.

However, because this pressure and inflammation can permanently damage the brain, individuals occasionally develop epilepsy after recovering from meningitis.

Some people experience a seizure when they have a fever. Learn more about febrile seizures here.

In severe cases of meningitis, a person may experience enough brain damage to cause a coma. This is rare with bacterial or viral meningitis.

In one study, 30 out of 1,083 people with bacterial meningitis, or 3%, scored 3 on the Glasgow Coma Scale, which indicates a coma.

According to the CDC, parasitic meningitis can lead to the following symptoms and complications:

  • a loss of coordination and muscle control
  • weakness or paralysis
  • coma
  • death

What is a coma, and why does it happen?

A person with meningitis may find it hard to think, focus, and remember things.

After recovering from meningitis, some people continue to experience problems with memory. This can be a result of neurological damage during the illness.

According to the Meningitis Research Foundation, both meningitis and sepsis resulting from meningitis can lead to memory loss and difficulty retaining information.

Confusion and altered mental status are symptoms of various types of meningitis.

Neurological damage that occurs during the illness can also affect thinking and concentration in the long term.

Depending on the area of the brain affected, children who have had meningitis may find it harder to carry out various functions, including:

  • focusing
  • thinking
  • remembering things
  • learning
  • making decisions and solving problems

The brain takes over 20 years to develop, which means the risk is higher among younger children. Older children and adults, who have already developed certain thinking and reasoning skills before having meningitis, may retain those skills.

Younger children, however, may need additional help at school with tasks such as planning and working independently.

Around 32% adults who have experienced bacterial meningitis may also find they have difficulty thinking. For instance, they may have a hard time focusing or feel their thinking is slower, according to one older study.

Hearing changes can be a complication of meningitis. Bacterial meningitis can affect the inner ear or the auditory nerve, which carries sound to the brain. This can result in hearing loss, which may be permanent.

Damage can happen if the infection spreads to the hair cells in the cochlea, a bone that plays a crucial role in hearing. It may also occur if inflammation puts pressure on the auditory nerve.

Hearing loss can affect both children and adults. After recovering from meningitis, people should have a hearing test to check for potential hearing problems.

Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, can also develop after meningitis.

Symptoms of a meningitis infection can includedouble vision. If there is swelling in the optic nerve, temporary vision changes may occur.

Various types of meningitis can also have a long-term impact on vision if the infection affects the optic nerve.

After recovery, a person may experience:

  • double vision
  • partial vision loss
  • total vision loss

Vision changes can develop in one or both eyes. In some cases, they can be permanent.

The risk of long-term vision loss may be higher if a person has vision changes in the early stages, according to a small study that looked at people with HIV-related cryptococcal meningitis.

A person who has meningitis may face problems with speech after they recover.

Speech loss or changes in speech can occur if meningitis causes damage in a part of the brain that affects speech. It can affect the muscles involved in speech and the way the brain coordinates between thinking and the words a person uses.

If a child has meningitis before they learn to talk, damage may occur that affects their ability to learn to speak and to use speech and language.

A speech and language therapist can sometimes help a child learn to speak, or help people regain their ability to speak after recovering from the illness.

The brain and the ears interact to help a person keep their balance and their awareness of space around them. Meningitis can cause problems with the inner ear, leading to:

  • loss of coordination
  • dizziness
  • falls

This may occur while a person has meningitis, but it often resolves after they recover. If damage has affected the inner ear, however, it may persist.

A child who was previously walking or sitting up, for example, may appear to lose that ability. Up to 10% of children who have bacterial meningitis may have ongoing dizziness or balance problems.

Individuals who continue to experience dizziness should seek medical advice, as they may have a longer-term problem that needs addressing.

In rare cases, some types of bacterial meningitis can result in kidney, or renal, failure or long-term kidney damage, such as:

  • kidney injury
  • oliguria, or low urine output
  • rhabdomyolysis, which involves a breakdown of muscle tissue

Some medications for meningitis can also damage the kidneys.

A rare but severe complication of bacterial meningitis — usually meningococcal meningitis — is known as Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome (WFS). This involves a hemorrhage in the adrenal glands, which causes them to stop working. If this happens, shock can result. It can be life threatening.

Symptoms include:

  • headache
  • a petechial rash
  • weakness and fatigue
  • pain in the side or abdomen
  • nausea and vomiting
  • lack of appetite
  • confusion and disorientation
  • low blood pressure in around 50% of cases

Experts note that it can be difficult to diagnose adrenal gland failure if a person may have sepsis, because the two produce similar symptoms.

If a person has a diagnosis of suspected sepsis, and their symptoms are not responding to fluids, a doctor may suspect WFS, or adrenal gland failure.

Common symptoms of meningitis to look out for are:

  • fever
  • headache
  • stiff neck
  • cold hands and feet
  • vomiting
  • confusion
  • rapid breathing
  • muscle and joint pain
  • pale, mottled, or blotchy skin
  • spots or a rash
  • sensitivity to bright lights
  • sleepiness or difficulty waking
  • seizures

Other symptoms may be less common or develop as a long-term complication.

Learn more about meningitis in adults here.

In addition to other symptoms, an infant or a newborn may:

  • refuse to feed
  • be irritable
  • give a high-pitched cry
  • have a stiff body or be floppy or unresponsive
  • have a bulging, soft spot on the top of their head

Learn more about meningitis in babies here.

Anyone who shows signs and symptoms of meningitis needs urgent medical attention, as the condition can progress rapidly and lead to severe and potentially fatal complications.

If a person recovers from meningitis and continues to experience problems, they should seek guidance from a doctor, as they may need additional help.

Although the outlook for meningitis partly depends on the cause and type, all types of meningitis are serious and need immediate medical attention.

Without treatment, bacterial meningitis can continue to worsen and cause damage throughout the body. It is fatal in around 10–15% of cases, and a person may experience long-term complications.

Viral meningitis, while serious, is usually self-limiting and goes away with supportive treatment. It can have long-term implications, but most people who experience viral meningitis make a full recovery.

Treatment for bacterial meningitis is with antibiotics. A doctor may not wait for the results of blood tests to start this treatment, as delaying increases the risk of severe illness.

Having a meningitis vaccine can help reduce the risk of meningitis. Find out more here.

Meningitis is a severe and potentially life threatening condition that involves inflammation of the meninges, which are tissues that surround the brain.

Common symptoms include a headache, fever, stiff neck, and purple rash that healthcare professionals refer to as petechiae. Without prompt treatment, a person with bacterial meningitis may develop sepsis.

Those particularly susceptible to severe illness include young children and people with a weakened immune system.

Anyone with symptoms of meningitis needs prompt medical attention to prevent severe illness and complications.

Jane’s meningitis story | Meningitis Now

A lack of understanding

I woke up at about 5am on March 9th 2012 with a severe headache in the back of my neck. I thought I had woken up too early and tried to get back to sleep. By 7.30am I was feeling sick and had pins and needles in my arms. Two weeks previously I had had a bad dose of flu, probably the worst I have ever had, and was off work for a week.

As there was no one at home I called a friend as I just didn’t know what to do, and she told me to call an ambulance. An emergency car arrived within five minutes, but the medic didn’t seem too concerned, thought I was having a migraine (which I have never had before) and told me the pins and needles in my arms were due to me hyper-ventilating. The ambulance arrived a few minutes later and took me to hospital. On arrival they tried to give me painkiller tablets but I felt too sick to take them, and was given morphine in liquid form. Within an hour of being in hospital I had had a brain scan.

Meningitis had not crossed my mind

Meningitis had not crossed my mind at this point. I thought perhaps it was ‘only’ a migraine, but my worst fear was a stroke due to the pins and needles and strange sensations in my arms. Throughout the morning I was kept in A&E with a string of doctors performing various tests on me. I think they all shone a torch in my eyes and asked me if the light affected me. I think, meningitis or not, if you are feeling that ill with a severe headache, a torch shone in your eyes would be uncomfortable.

They also asked me if I had any rash on my body, which I didn’t, and kept checking my reflexes which were normal. I was aware of the symptoms of meningitis, and assumed their references to light and rash were to exclude meningitis. Even at this stage I didn’t for one moment think that it would be meningitis.

When the results of my scan came back normal, they said I would need to have a lumbar puncture. It was explained to me that this would be performed 12 hours after my onset of symptoms, because if there was any bleeding (i.e. a stroke) it may take this long to show up. By mid afternoon I was moved to a ward and starting to feel a bit better.

The lumbar puncture was performed at about 7pm and I was told the results would be ready by midnight. This was a Friday, so by the evening I guess only weekend staff were on duty. Despite me constantly asking, I didn’t see a doctor or get my results until Saturday afternoon. By this time I was feeling fine and assuming I would be allowed home. I was up and about, no headache, and eating normally. The results of the lumbar puncture showed no bleeding, so it wasn’t a stroke, but my white blood cell count was high indicating an infection. I was told I needed to stay in hospital another night whilst they did further tests.

Told to go home and rest

On the Sunday morning I woke up feeling dreadful and could not lift my head off the pillow. I had a severe headache and my head felt so heavy and uncoordinated, a really strange feeling. I couldn’t eat anything and struggled to get out of bed. In the afternoon they started a course of intra-venous Acyclovir ‘as a precaution’. On Monday morning, still feeling dreadful, a doctor came around and informed me I had viral meningitis. I was told to go home and rest, and that it may take up to a month until I felt better.

A friend came to pick me up from hospital and had to double check with the staff that I was allowed home. I think she was shocked that I was being allowed home when I was struggling to even sit up in bed. Walking to her car took so much effort and I really struggled to sit upright for the two mile journey home. I remember sitting in the passenger seat and trying to put my head down as low as possible. Being upright was intolerable.

When I got home I went straight to bed and stayed there for about five days. I couldn’t even get downstairs. Every time I sat up or moved my head felt so heavy and I was dizzy and uncoordinated. I was also finding breathing difficult whenever I tried to move or do anything other than lie still. By this time I had read up on meningitis and lumbar puncture and thought that the symptoms I was now experiencing were due to the lumbar puncture, as side effects can take 24-48 hours to develop. I still cannot understand why the day after I was admitted to hospital I felt fine and then the next day felt so ill again.

Typical for viral meningitis

Over the next few weeks I gradually started to try and do a little more each day. The first time I walked down my street my head felt terrible, it felt as if my head was pulling me one way and my legs were going in a different direction (vertigo?), and with every attempt my breathing became more difficult. I could only walk really slowly and to walk to the end of my street (50m) felt like a marathon.

Although feeling so rough, I was still quite relaxed within myself and not feeling stressed or panicky. I started to do a few vestibular rehabilitation exercises for the vertigo and this did help a bit, throwing a ball and catching it, and walking down the street looking alternately at front doors on opposite sides of the street, although these hadn’t been prescribed for me. I knew about the vestibular rehabilitation exercises from my sister as she had been prescribed them for vertigo previously.

I couldn’t bear any sensory stimulation – more than one noise, i.e. a conversation in the room and the phone ringing; busy visual environments; looking around for something, and bright un-natural lighting. The first time I went to a supermarket was awful. You don’t realise how much visual stimulation there is and your eyes try and glance over everything in one go, and the lighting is so harsh. I gradually set myself challenges to go to Tesco every day and buy one thing. I had to know where it was before going as I couldn’t look around the shelves to find what I needed. It’s surprising how much harsher the lighting was in Morrison’s compared to Tesco, something you would typically never notice, but shopping in Morrison’s was so much worse.

After about six weeks I booked an appointment with a neurologist. He didn’t seem concerned, said all my symptoms were typical for viral meningitis, just give it time. I asked him if I should be referred for vestibular rehabilitation but he wouldn’t refer me, just told me to relax a bit more.

Supportive work colleagues and employer

I returned to work after ten weeks, on reduced hours, but was limited to what I could do at work. I just wanted a sense of normality. My work colleagues and company were supportive and I was allowed to work at my own pace. With hindsight I probably went back too soon and struggled with everyday tasks. After two weeks back at work I contracted food poisoning and with this a return of my previous symptoms (feeling dizzy, irregular breathing, aversion to sensory stimuli), and had another four to five weeks off work. At this stage I had to cancel a holiday to Jamaica as I knew I would not be able to cope with the travelling.

Over the next few months I gradually improved. Some days were better than others. By the end of 2012 I was beginning to feel reasonably okay, as long as I didn’t do too much and wasn’t in a very busy environment with lots of noise and bright lighting. Christmas was a busy time and I returned to work in the New Year.

The first week of January I contracted conjunctivitis followed by a throat infection. I was feeling quite ill and once again many of my previous symptoms returned and I was struggling to even walk to the doctors. It took two courses of antibiotic eye creams and a course of antibiotics to clear the infections.

Over the course of the next few months I was very up and down and had taken more time off work. I was starting to feel a bit panicky and anxious and was getting quite worked up about taking so much time off work. This became a bit of a vicious circle and the more anxious I became the worse my symptoms were. I made several visits to my GP and spoke with Meningitis Now.

I pushed for a referral for vestibular rehabilitation and was finally referred. The physio who I saw was excellent and I think she really understood what I was going through, more so than any of the doctors I had seen. She did a range of tests on me to try and provoke dizziness, but none of these worked e.g. changing direction quickly, turning around and looking from side to side. I explained to her that if I was moving in a controlled way and thinking about what I was doing it didn’t really affect me.

Problems with bending down and turning around

But I would have problems with things like emptying the dishwasher (bending down and turning around), looking around for my keys, sitting at a table with other people so I had to turn my head,  flicking through a magazine so I wasn’t focusing on each word, just glancing over items. I had to do everything at the pace my head would allow. If I was walking down the road with friends I had to dictate the pace we were walking as even trying to walk at a pace somebody else set was overwhelming.

Just speaking with her was like a good counselling session (nothing to do with the vestibular rehabilitation) – to finally speak to someone who listened to what I was saying. She said there would be no point in prescribing traditional vestibular rehabilitation exercises as she could not trigger my dizziness. She recommended that whatever made me feel dizzy to try and do it little and often and as ‘normally’ as possible. I know that I had begun to move my head less and slower to minimise any dizziness. As I didn’t like busy visual images and looking around I started playing Mah-jong, which involves images of lots of busy tiles that you have to match up. I also put a very busy screen saver on my PC and spent ages just watching it, trying to ‘recalibrate’ my brain. I persevered with both of these and think they did help.

I now feel well. Some things are still a bit strange, and I think the way my brain processes certain information has changed. I’m still a bit slow looking around for things, e.g. in a supermarket I still sometimes have to stand back and look slowly for an item rather than glancing over all the shelves, and crossing busy roads that I am unfamiliar with can be a bit awkward, but on the whole I am fine.

why it is dangerous and how it spreads

On July 5, seven cases of meningococcal infection were recorded among employees of the Ozon distribution center in Yekaterinburg. Later it became known about the death of two workers infected with meningitis. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of death. About what kind of infection it is – in the TASS cards

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes of the brain and spinal cord. The disease can be fatal, therefore, requires immediate medical attention. The infection affects people of all ages. Young children are most at risk, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Meningitis can be an independent disease, or it can develop as a complication of another infection, such as sinusitis, purulent otitis media, chicken pox, measles, rubella, mumps, influenza, etc. In addition, inflammation in the brain tissues can begin due to head and back injuries.

  • Meningeal – this syndrome is accompanied by vomiting, headache, changes in the cerebrospinal fluid, hyperesthesia (increased sensitivity) of the sense organs and rigidity (increased tone) of the occipital muscles and long muscles of the back.

  • Cerebral – it is accompanied by drowsiness, impaired consciousness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, psychomotor agitation and hallucinations.

  • Asthenovegetative – this syndrome is manifested by weakness and decreased ability to work.

  • General infection – it is characterized by chills and fever.

  • Convulsive.

Aerosol (through the air), contact-household and alimentary (through the mouth) way.

The incubation period for this infection is 1 to 10 days. Usually, meningococcal meningitis manifests itself rather sharply – the infected can name almost the exact hour of the disease. It is accompanied by chills, a temperature above 38 degrees, a bursting headache, which is aggravated by movement of the head, vomiting, stiffness of the occipital and long muscles of the back, as well as soreness in various parts of the body. There is even a special name for the posture that patients take – “meningeal” – when the patient lies on his side with his head thrown back and his legs brought to his stomach.

No. Rospotrebnadzor noted that the causative agent of meningococcal infection, Neisseria meningitides, is not resistant. On the surfaces of the materials from which the packaging boxes are made, the pathogen can only remain viable for a short time. This means that those who received packages from Ozon distribution centers do not have to worry – they have passed the meningococcal infection.

No. To date, there is no vaccine that can protect against all possible pathogens of meningitis. Vaccines can only provide prevention of infection caused by meningococci, pneumococci, Haemophilus influenzae type b.

To protect yourself from meningitis, you can take one of the vaccinations included in the Russian national calendar. These vaccinations can reduce the risk of measles, rubella, polio and mumps.

To prevent meningitis, you can also:

  • temper the body;

  • limit contact with sick people;

  • wash hands, fruits and vegetables with soap;

  • drink bottled or boiled water.

Read TASS

News 02 Symptoms

Classification

Complications

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prophylaxis

Meningitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. This is a whole group of pathologies, which is divided into two subtypes: pachymeningitis affects the hard shell of the brain, and leptomeningitis – soft and arachnoid. The second option is much more common.

Meningitis can develop as an independent disease, or become a consequence of another disease and proceed in the form of its complications. Pathology is considered one of the most severe and occurs with a threat to the life of the patient.

Causes and triggers

The causes of meningitis are a variety of viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa. Meningococcal meningitis is usually caused by the gram-negative bacteria meningococci. Fighting this pathogen is not so easy, since it has a special capsule that protects meningococcus from the effects of drugs.

This acute infectious disease is most often diagnosed in children under 5 years of age. And if earlier it was whole epidemics, today isolated cases are increasingly being diagnosed, which, with proper early diagnosis, can be treated quite well.

The source of the disease is only an infected person with symptoms of the disease or a carrier. If we talk about how meningitis is transmitted, then it happens by airborne droplets. Most often, children who are in groups or adults who are in the same poorly ventilated room during the working day become infected.

Most diagnoses of this type are made in the autumn-winter period. The provocative factors are:

  • sharp fluctuations in outdoor temperature, when frosts are replaced by thaws;
  • high humidity both indoors and outdoors;
  • long stay in one closed room;
  • lack of walks in the fresh air;
  • constant use of public transport;
  • lack of proper hygiene.

In this acute infectious disease, preventive measures are very important. Only they help not to catch meningitis during its growth.

Symptoms

Meningitis in adults occurs mainly in the male population, and in women, pathology is less common. All manifestations of the disease can be divided into several large groups.

The first will include two striking symptoms of meningitis – photophobia and hyperacusis. In the first case, an increase in pain syndrome will be observed in bright light, and in the second case, with a strong sharp sound.

The second group includes intoxication syndrome. The patient has weakness, lethargy and even apathy, a complete breakdown, aches all over the body, lack of appetite, nausea and vomiting.

The third group is all kinds of syndromes that can be detected when examining a patient using percussion or pressure on certain parts of the body. However, only doctors can perform this procedure correctly.

The fourth group of signs of meningitis is tonic muscle tension. This is expressed in the inability to bend the head at the neck and bring the chin to the chest. Also, the patient cannot return the lower limbs to their original position if they are bent at the knees and hips.

Fifth group – decreased abdominal and tendon reflexes.

Meningitis is more common in children than in adults, the disease is more severe and can have many consequences. Children are often unconscious, while they put their hands on their heads and begin to scream loudly. This is due to high intracranial pressure, which brings unbearable suffering to babies.

The meningitis rash is most often found on the legs, rarely on the shoulders, and very rarely on the head. At first, these are ordinary maculopapular papules, which then change their character to hemorrhagic. Other symptoms include fever, fever, unconsciousness, repeated vomiting.

Classification

Since meningitis can be caused by a variety of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and even protozoa, the classification of the disease begins with this important indicator.

Serous meningitis is caused by enteroviruses. Infection most often occurs while swimming in open water or in a public pool, sauna, bath. Ticks can also be carriers of the virus. Most often, the disease is observed in babies aged 3 to 6 years, in adults this form practically does not occur.

Viral meningitis is a disease that occurs when infected only with Coxsackie and ECHO viruses. They contain RNA, and all serotypes of this virus are pathogenic for humans. In nature, they are very stable, they are transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person by contact-household or airborne droplets.

Bacterial meningitis is an inflammatory disease that develops when various bacteria enter the body. It can be staphylococci, pneumococci, meningococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

According to its course, the disease is divided into acute, subacute and chronic. Separately, fulminant meningitis should be singled out, in which death can occur in just a few hours from the moment the first symptoms appear.

The severity of the disease can be mild, moderate or severe. Also, after suffering inflammation of the meninges, complications can develop, and complete recovery can occur without any consequences.

Complications

Complications after meningitis are not uncommon. They can be divided into early and late. In this case, not only the central nervous system, but also other organs and systems can suffer.

Among the most common consequences of meningitis, doctors distinguish:

  • swelling or swelling of the brain;
  • pulmonary edema;
  • infectious-toxic shock;
  • kidney failure;
  • acute adrenal insufficiency;
  • myocarditis;
  • arthritis;
  • epilepsy;
  • paralysis;
  • bleeding.

Treatment of all complications requires mandatory placement of the patient in the intensive care unit. Medicines and other medical procedures are prescribed strictly individually.

Diagnostics

The main reliable method for diagnosing any meningitis is a lumbar puncture followed by examination of the cerebrospinal fluid. During the study, the liquid through the needle will flow out under pressure, although normally it should only drip in frequent drops. With serous meningitis, it will be transparent, with purulent – cloudy.

Other research methods are not as important in making an accurate diagnosis, so they are used quite rarely. This is an MRI of the brain or spinal cord, in some cases CT, but only when it is not possible to perform the first option for examining the patient.

Treatment

Treatment of meningitis should be started as early as possible, often with only suspicion of the disease, antibacterial drugs and sulfonamides are prescribed. Therapy is carried out exclusively in a hospital or intensive care unit. At home and in a clinic, this serious infection is not treated.

In addition to antibiotic therapy, drugs for other forms of meningitis may also be prescribed. These are antiviral, anti-tuberculosis, to combat fungal infections of the brain or spinal cord. Antibiotics are powerless against such pathogens. It is important that all drugs used in treatment are administered directly into the bloodstream, and not performed as intramuscular injections. During the treatment period, it is monitored, which is done with the help of a repeated control lumbar puncture.

Symptomatic therapy is prescribed to improve the general condition of the patient and relieve other symptoms of the disease. These can be diuretics, hormonal agents, antioxidants, glucose, drugs for high fever, vascular agents. They are prescribed strictly individually – it all depends on the general condition of the patient and the severity of the inflammatory process in the body.

According to clinical guidelines for meningitis, it is recommended that a patient be discharged from the hospital not after the improvement of the general condition and the absence of symptoms of the disease, but at the moment when his cerebrospinal fluid tests are normal and do not contain the causative agent of the disease. After discharge from the hospital, the patient is placed under dispensary observation for up to 3 years.

Prevention and prognosis

Disinfection measures are carried out in the focus of infection, and all contacts, even without initial signs of infection, must undergo a full prophylactic course of antibiotics. Cephalosporins are usually the drugs of choice.

Prevention of meningitis includes specific and non-specific interventions. In the first case, all children are recommended to do all the necessary vaccinations according to age. In the second case, it is recommended to lead a healthy lifestyle, regularly strengthen the immune system, take vitamin and mineral complexes twice a year, and follow the rules of personal hygiene.

In case of a severe course of the disease with the development of complications, it is possible to apply for disability. In mild cases, the patient makes a full recovery without any further mental or physical health effects.

The author of the article:

Markelov Gleb Vladimirovich

neurologist, online consultations

experience 7 years

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