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What are signs of meningitis in adults?

What are signs of meningitis in adults?

Symptoms of meningitis, septicaemia and meningococcal disease include:

  • a high temperature.
  • cold hands and feet.
  • vomiting.
  • confusion.
  • breathing quickly.
  • muscle and joint pain.
  • pale, mottled or blotchy skin.
  • spots or a rash.

What are 6 symptoms of meningitis?

In adults, viral meningitis may cause:

  • headaches.
  • fever.
  • stiff neck.
  • seizures.
  • sensitivity to bright light.
  • sleepiness.
  • lethargy.
  • nausea and vomiting.

How long can you have meningitis without knowing?

Symptoms of bacterial meningitis can appear just a few hours, though in some cases may appear 1 to 2 days afterwards. Because of this, it is vital to seek treatment immediately if symptoms appear.

Can someone have meningitis and not know it?

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. Later, people have symptoms that suggest meningitis.

When should I worry about meningitis?

When to get medical help You should get medical advice as soon as possible if you’re concerned that you or your child could have meningitis. Trust your instincts and do not wait until a rash develops. Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E immediately if you think you or your child might be seriously ill.

Does meningitis go away by itself?

Viral meningitis will usually get better on its own and rarely causes any long-term problems. Most people with bacterial meningitis who are treated quickly will also make a full recovery, although some are left with serious long-term problems.

Can you have meningitis and not know it?

How do you rule out meningitis?

The most reliable way to diagnose meningitis is with a lumbar puncture . During a lumbar puncture, a doctor inserts a long, thin needle in between two vertebrae in the lower back. This allows them to withdraw some cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is the fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord.

When should you suspect meningitis?

Seek immediate medical care if you or someone in your family has meningitis signs or symptoms, such as: Fever. Severe, unrelenting headache. Confusion.

What should you do if you suspect meningitis?

You should get medical advice as soon as possible if you’re concerned that you or your child could have meningitis. Trust your instincts and do not wait until a rash develops. Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E immediately if you think you or your child might be seriously ill.

How ill do you feel with meningitis?

Symptoms Checker. Meningitis and septicaemia can kill in hours – know the symptoms. 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.

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