Symptoms and signs
The symptoms are what the patient feels when he has the disease, and the signs are what the doctor finds when he examines the patient.
The symptoms of meningitis are almost the same whatever its type, and it is similar to the symptoms of the common cold and other respiratory diseases, especially at the beginning. This is why many patients delay seeking medical care until the alarming symptoms or signs of the disease appear.
The common symptoms and signs include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Poor eating
- Sleepiness
- Lethargy
- Nausea
The alarming symptoms and signs of meningitis include:
- Stiff neck
- Projectile vomiting
- Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
The doctor will take the symptoms and signs, and the history provided by the patient or his family into account while forming a differential diagnosis list. The differential diagnosis list is the diseases that may have the same signs and symptoms and history that the patients are showing. Doctors will begin thorough examination and tests to determine the definitive diagnosis for the case.
Make sure to provide the doctor with accurate information to get the best medical care possible.
