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The Warning Signs of Meningitis
Meningitis can come on quickly and be life-threatening, but its symptoms often get confused with those of the flu. Here's what you should watch out for. By Kristen StewartMedically Reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPHReviewed: July 18, 2014Medically ReviewedFever, headache, vomiting — anyone experiencing these symptoms can’t wait to feel better. And though the symptoms are often caused by the flu, they could also be the sign of something much more serious: meningitis. “Meningitis can be a life-threatening illness,” says Jeffrey R. Starke, MD, medical director of infection control at Texas Children's Hospital and professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine, both in Houston. “It’s an infection of the meninges, the protective covering of the brain and spinal cord, and it can cause temporary or permanent damage.” About 800 to 1,200 Americans contract meningitis each year — a number that's become much lower since more and more people are getting the vaccine. However, 10 to 15 percent of these people die, while about 20 percent are left with permanent disabilities, according to the National Meningitis Association. The Symptoms of Meningitis The two most common types of meningitis are viral and bacterial meningitis. Other types of meningitis include parasitic meningitis, fungal meningitis, and non-infectious meningitis, though these forms are much more rare than the viral and bacterial types. The symptoms of each type of meningitis are typically very similar: They include:A sudden onset of severe headache, fever, and stiff neckNausea and vomitingSensitivity to lightAgitation and/or mental status changesSeizures Because meningitis can advance quickly and cause serious complications, or even death, it’s important to recognize these warning signs and seek treatment immediately if you experience them. Meningitis symptoms can sometimes seem like nothing more than flu symptoms, which can make a meningitis diagnosis trickier and delay treatment. However, while both can cause a headache, the stiff neck of meningitis generally does not occur with the flu. Also, respiratory symptoms such as a cough tend to be associated with the flu more than meningitis. Viral Versus Bacterial Meningitis: Know the Warning Signs Treatment of meningitis depends on the cause of the disease, so it’s important to determine which type you have. Bacterial meningitis is a severe form of the disease that can be fatal or cause permanent brain damage, hearing loss, learning disabilities, or other complications if not treated promptly. It’s caused by bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae or Neisseria meningitidis, and it can be contracted by anyone during any time of year. A rash can be a clue that it’s Neisseria meningitidis. Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial meningitis, but it is usually less severe. It often goes away on its own and usually does not cause permanent damage or disability. It’s most prevalent in the spring and summer because that’s when the enterovirus, one of the most common causes of meningitis, tends to be circulating in communities. It’s not always easy to make a meningitis diagnosis. “It can sometimes be difficult for doctors to distinguish between bacterial or viral meningitis because the symptoms are similar,” says Matthew Simon, MD, assistant professor of medicine, associate hospital epidemiologist, and an infectious disease specialist at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. “A lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, is often required to diagnose meningitis and determine if it is due to a bacteria or virus. This involves testing a sample of cerebrospinal fluid, the fluid that surrounds and protects your brain and spinal cord, to determine the degree of inflammation and the presence of any bacteria or viruses.” The bottom line: If in doubt, contact a health care professional. “Meningitis is a medical emergency, so if you believe that you have symptoms consistent with meningitis, you should seek medical care immediately,” says Amesh Adalja, MD, an infectious disease physician and adjunct instructor in the division of infectious diseases at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Getting early treatment can increase your chance of recovery. There are vaccinations available for some types of bacterial meningitis, specifically pneumococcal and meningococcal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children get the meningitis vaccine at 11 or 12 years old, with a booster dose at 16. Getting vaccinated for measles, mumps, rubella, and chicken pox may help prevent some of the viruses that con cause viral meningitis. Check with your physician to see if you should get immunized. NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Healthy Living Newsletter
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