Bacterial Meningitis: Symptoms, Signs & Urgent Care

Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The disease can be life-threatening, so prompt action on early symptoms is important.

Early Symptoms

• Typical early symptoms of bacterial meningitis include high fever, chills and headache. The person's neck may become so stiff that he cannot lower his chin to his chest.

Other Symptoms

• Other bacterial meningitis symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, confusion, sensitivity to light, sleepiness, and a red and purple skin rash.

Children and Infants

• Signs in young children also may include irritability, refusal to eat, being difficult to wake up, continuous crying and seizures. Infants may not show signs of a stiff neck.

Complications

• If treatment is delayed, bacterial meningitis can result in hearing loss and brain damage. Bacterial meningitis also can be fatal.

Treatment

• Depending on the severity of the symptoms, physicians may begin treatment before a definitive diagnosis. Treatment begins with intravenous antibiotics, fluid replacement and a corticosteroid to reduce swelling.