Table of Contents
What are the symptoms of meningococcal meningitis?
Common symptoms of meningococcal meningitis include sudden fever, headache, and stiff neck. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light, and confusion. Children and infants may show different signs and symptoms, such as inactivity, irritability, vomiting, or poor reflexes.
What is Menninger cockle meningitis?
Meningococcal meningitis is a form of meningitis caused by a specific bacterium known as Neisseria meningitidis. Meningitis is characterized by inflammation of the membranes (meninges) around the brain or spinal cord. This inflammation can begin suddenly (acute) or develop gradually (subacute).

What are the symptoms of meningitis in adults?
Symptoms of meningitis
- a high temperature (fever)
- being sick.
- a headache.
- a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)
- a stiff neck.
- a dislike of bright lights.
- drowsiness or unresponsiveness.
- seizures (fits)
What is the difference between meningococcal and meningitis?
Meningococcal disease is caused by infection with bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. There are two major types of meningococcal disease: Meningococcal meningitis and meningococcemia. Meningococcal meningitis is an infection of the tissue (called the “meninges”) that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
What happens if you have meningococcal?

Meningococcal disease usually takes the form of a blood infection (septicaemia) or an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). These infections can develop quickly and can cause serious illness or death. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are vital.
What does the start of meningitis feel like?
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. Septicaemia can occur with or without meningitis.
Are meningitis symptoms sudden?
The symptoms usually come on suddenly, within one week of being exposed to the bacteria. Other less common symptoms of meningitis are: confusion, particularly in older adults. nausea and vomiting.
How can you test for meningitis at home?
Gently and slowly push on the back of your neck so that your head moves forward. For better results, have someone do this for you. Note if your hips and knees flex involuntarily as you raise your head. This is a positive Brudzinski sign, meaning that you may have meningitis.
Does meningitis cause dizziness?
Untreated, meningitis can lead to coma. Poor coordination, dizziness, and clumsiness may remain for some time after a bout with meningitis. Children may have emotional problems following the illness, including clinginess, moodiness, and sleep disturbances.
How do I check myself for meningitis?
For a definitive diagnosis of meningitis, you’ll need a spinal tap to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In people with meningitis, the CSF often shows a low sugar (glucose) level along with an increased white blood cell count and increased protein.
What can be mistaken for meningitis?
In people of all ages, bacterial meningitis can be misdiagnosed as viral meningitis or even strep throat, which causes a delay in the appropriate treatment….Complications may include:
- Brain damage.
- Sepsis.
- Organ failure.
- Seizures.
- Amputation.