Meningitis refers to the inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
It is caused by infective organisms including bacteria, viruses, and less commonly fungi, and parasites.
In this video, our primary goal is to discover the signs and symptoms of meningitis.
Signs and symptoms of meningitis can vary depending on the severity of the disease and the causative organism.
About 45% of individuals will present with a classic triad of symptoms, including fever, headache, and neck stiffness.
Fever is usually high-grade, especially in bacterial and viral meningitis.
Headache is intense and persistent.
Neck stiffness, also known as nuchal rigidity, is a classic sign of meningitis.
Here, the patient is unable to flex the neck forward due to meningeal irritation.
Other symptoms include the following.
Nausea and vomiting, which can be quite severe and may be related to increased intra-cranial pressure.
Altered mental status.
Patients may appear confused, disoriented, or lethargic, especially in severe cases.
Drowsiness.
Seizures, particularly in children.
In individuals who have been partially treated for meningitis, seizures may be the only presenting complaint.
Photophobia and phonophobia, which refer to sensitivity to light and sound respectively.
Rash.
Certain types of bacterial meningitis, such as meningococcal meningitis, can lead to the development of a characteristic non-blanching, purpuric rash.
A positive Kernig sign.
This sign is elicited by attempting to extend the knee with the hip and knee flexed.
Resistance and pain when extension gives a positive result.
Hypotension and shock.
In severe cases, meningitis can lead to circulatory collapse and shock.
In infants, signs and symptoms may be non-specific.
In addition, they might have a bulging anterior fontanelle, feeding difficulties, and sleep disturbances.

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