לא העללות

It's not easy to spot the symptoms of meningitis. People often confuse the early signs and symptoms of meningitis with the flu. In fact, meningitis may come on the heels of a flu-like illness or infection. That's why it's important to stay alert, learn the hallmark signs and symptoms of meningitis, and act quickly. It may help save a life.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis symptoms may develop within hours. Viral meningitis symptoms may also develop quickly or over several days.

Here are more common signs and symptoms of both types. Not all symptoms may appear or appear in the same order. Fever, headache, and neck stiffness are the hallmark symptoms of meningitis.

Sudden high fever
Severe, persistent headache
Neck stiffness and pain that makes it difficult to touch your chin to your chest
Nausea and vomiting, sometimes along with diarrhea
Confusion and disorientation (acting "goofy")
Drowsiness or sluggishness
Eye pain or sensitivity to bright light
Muscle or joint pain or weakness

Other Potential Signs and Symptoms of Meningitis
These are other possible signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicemia -- the life-threatening blood poisoning form of the disease :

Abnormal skin color
Stomach cramps
Ice-cold hands and feet
Dizziness
Reddish or brownish skin rash or purple spots
Numbness and tingling
Seizures

If a red rash appears along with fever, check to see if the rash disappears when a glass is pressed against it. If it does not, this could be a sign of blood infection -- a medical emergency. Call 911 without delay. Other symptoms that might require emergency treatment include loss of consciousness, seizures, muscle weakness, or sudden severe dementia.

When to Seek Medical Care for Possible Symptoms of Meningitis
If your child or a friend of your child experiences two or more of these symptoms of meningitis at the same time - or if the symptoms are very severe or appear suddenly -- they should seek medical care right away.

Call the doctor and describe the signs and symptoms.
Go immediately to the nearest emergency room if a doctor is not reachable right away. The person who is sick should not drive. Call 911 if transportation is not available. Do this especially if the skin rash appears.
WebMD Medical Reference
View Article Sources
SOURCES: Meningitis Research Foundation: "Symptoms." The Meningitis Trust: "Symptoms of Meningitis and Meningococcal Septicaemia." MAK: "Symptoms." National Meningitis Association: "About Meningococcal Disease."

Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on October 02, 2008
© 2008 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved......Children's Vaccines Health CenterAll Vaccines Schedules
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP)
Polio (IPV)
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
H. influenzae (Hib)
Pneumococcal (PCV7)
Rotavirus (RV)
Flu Shot
Flu Nasal Spray
Meningococcal (MPSV4/MCV4)
HPV Vaccine
Related to Children's VaccinesAdult Immunizations
Autism
Cervical Cancer
Cold & Flu
Hepatitis
Parenting
Shingles
Travel Immunizations
Hot Topics in Children's VaccinesExperts: HPV Vaccine a Preteen Priority
Q&A: Are Vaccines Safe?
Opting Out of Vaccines: Know the Risks
Gardasil Safety: Questions and Answers
Immunization Schedules for Kids 0-18
Why Are Immunizations Important?
Pediatrician Steven Parker, MD, talks about why immunizations are important for children.
Measles Warning
In the United States, childhood immunizations have made measles a disease of the past, for the most part. But that vaccination doesn’t always work the first time around. Here’s a warning for parents, travelers, and everyone else.

What to Know About the HPV Vaccine
Laura Corio, MD, talks about what you should know about the HPV vaccine.

Managing Immunizations
Childhood diseases like measles and whooping cough are rare in the U.S. thanks to widespread immunizations. But keeping up with all the shots can be a challenge. Here are some thoughts on shots.

New Meningitis Vaccine
Bacterial meningitis is one frightening illness. The infection moves so fast, it can kill within days. The good news is there's a longer-lasting vaccine that protects more children.
video library >Most Popular Stories1.10 Gynecology Secrets
2.Why So Tired? 7 Causes of Fatigue
3.Most Fattening Foods of Fall
4.The Best Snack on Earth
5.What Does Gout Look Like?
6.5 Flat Belly Foods
7.The 30-Minute Workout Routine
8.12 Embarrassing Body Problems
9.43 Date-Night Ideas
10.Brain Foods to Help You ConcentrateParenting & Children's Health Newsletter
Must-have children's health news.

Allergic Asthma Info
Alzheimer's Questions?
Arthritis Medicine
Blood Pressure Rx
Brain Health
Caring for Memory Loss
Dental Health Guide
Fewer Migraines?
High Blood Pressure?
High Cholesterol?
Hypertension? Potassium
Know Your Omega-3s
Lower Cholesterol
Menopausal Symptoms?
Migraine Help (Videos)
RA Help
Talking about RA
Treating MS
What is Psoriasis?
What's Your IgE Level?