HEALTH

Meningitis, the main symptoms to worry about

Meningitis is a serious disease characterised by inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

It is important to be aware of early symptoms in order to be able to intervene early. In this photogallery, we explore the main warning signs of meningitis provided by health.com 

From the most common manifestations such as high fever and intense headache, to more specific signs such as neck stiffness and rashes, we will explore the signs that require immediate attention.

Although meningitis can be a serious illness, early diagnosis and timely treatment can make all the difference in prognosis.

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Meningitis, the main symptoms to worry about
Meningitis is a serious disease characterised by inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is important to be aware of early symptoms in order to be able to intervene early. In this photo gallery, we explore the main warning signs of meningitis provided by health.com. From the most common manifestations such as high fever and intense headache, to more specific signs such as neck stiffness and rashes, we will explore the signs that require immediate attention. Although meningitis can be a serious illness, early diagnosis and timely treatment can make all the difference in prognosis.
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Drowsiness and lack of appetite
Drowsiness and lack of appetite are the first symptoms of meningitis that usually appear.
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Torticollis
A very strong torticollis can be a sign of meningitis: if you have difficulty lowering your chin towards your chest, and have other symptoms such as a strong headache and fever, it could be a sign of meningitis.
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Fever, tremors and convulsions
One of the symptoms of meningitis is fever, which, as in the case of other diseases, occurs in order to defend the body: fever in fact serves to fight infection by making it difficult for the virus or bacteria to survive in the body. The presence of tremors and convulsions are another possible symptom of the disease.
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Severe headache
A much stronger than normal headache that occurs suddenly and without explanation can be a symptom of meningitis. In the case of meningitis, the headache worsens when lying down and can even wake you up if you are sleeping.
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Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are symptoms that can be linked to different illnesses, including meningitis. As with the other symptoms, suspicion of meningitis must come in the presence of other symptoms such as those already mentioned (fever, severe headache, stiff neck).
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Sensitivity to light and sound
Photophobia, the sensitivity of the eyes to light, can be a symptom of meningitis, although in many cases it is not associated with any disease. In the case of meningitis, increased sensitivity to sound may also be experienced.
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Skin rash
Presence of purple or red spots on the skin can be a symptom of advanced meningococcal septicaemia, but also of meningitis. To find out whether the rash is related to meningitis, one must press against the skin with an object, such as a plastic cup: if the rash does not fade when pressed against the skin, it may indicate meningitis. In this situation you need to go to hospital urgently because it is a medical emergency.
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