Understanding Spinal Meningitis: Key Symptoms and Warning Signs
Learn about spinal meningitis, including its common symptoms, warning signs, and the importance of prompt treatment. Recognizing early symptoms like fever, neck stiffness, and headaches can be life-saving. This article provides essential information for understanding the disease, its risks, and when to seek medical help to prevent severe complications.
Understanding Spinal Meningitis: Key Symptoms and Warning Signs
Spinal meningitis involves inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, leading to swelling and discomfort. It can be triggered by various infections, including viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic causes, with viruses being the most common. While some cases resolve naturally within weeks, others require urgent antibiotic intervention, especially bacterial types. Bacterial meningitis, often caused by meningococcal or pneumococcal bacteria, can be fatal and may result in stroke, neurological damage, or hearing loss.
- Sudden high fever
- Neck stiffness
- Severe headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion and difficulty concentrating
- Sleepiness or drowsiness
- Balance issues or coordination problems
- Seizures
- Loss of appetite
- Light sensitivity
- Skin rashes from bacterial infections
- High fever
- Irritability or fussiness
- Poor feeding
- Lethargy
- Swelling on the head top
- Stiffness in limbs or neck
