Meningitis Symptoms: Understanding Nausea and Other Signs

Meningitis is a innflammation of the meninges, membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. When they become inflamed and infected, meningitis may occur. The swelling associated with meningitis normally triggers a headache, fever, and stiff neck.

Is There Always Nausea with Meningitis

• Although nausea is one of the symptoms of meningitis, the patient can have meningitis with no nausea. However, nausea is often present with a headache and rise in temperature.

Symptoms of Meningitis

• Symptoms include headache; elevated temperature accompanied by nausea, vomiting and headache; fever with rash on the skin; disorders of consciousness; lack of awareness; convulsions; stiff back and/or neck; fever with back or neck pain; and sleepiness.

Most Visible Sign of Meningitis

• The most visible sign of meningitis is a headache which intensifies rapidly. The pain is so intense that adults whimper and children scream and cry. Nausea and vomiting may soon follow.

Causes of Meningitis

• Meningitis is mostly caused by bacteria and viruses. It spreads from person to person or animal to person, through the saliva, or by touching a contaminated object. It can also be caused by medications and other illnesses.

Risk Factors

• Risk factors in contracting meningitis include age, living in a community group, pregnancy, working with animals, and a compromised immune system.

Complications

• Meningitis can be severe, and the longer you have the disease without treatment, the greater risk you run of seizures, permanent neurological damage, and even death.