Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes (meninges) surrounding your brain and spinal cord.
The swelling from meningitis typically triggers symptoms such as headache, fever and a stiff neck.
Early meningitis symptoms may mimic the flu (influenza). Symptoms may develop over several hours or over a few days.
· Sudden high fever
· Stiff neck
· Severe headache that seems different than normal
· Headache with nausea or vomiting
· Confusion or difficulty concentrating
· Seizures
· Sleepiness or difficulty waking
· Sensitivity to light
· No appetite or thirst
· Skin rash (sometimes, such as in meningococcal meningitis)
- Medical history
- A physical exam
- Certain diagnostic tests
- Blood cultures tests
- Imaging tests
- Spinal tap (lumbar puncture)
Bacterial meningitis
Viral meningitis
Fungal meningitis
