What is a meningitis headache like?

What is a meningitis headache like?

A headache caused by meningitis is typically described as severe and unrelenting. It does not subside by taking an aspirin. Stiff neck. This symptom most commonly involves a reduced ability to flex the neck forward, also called nuchal rigidity.

Where does meningitis headache start?

Headache This is due to inflammation in the meninges, which are the membranes surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. The inflammation can result in significant pain. The headache tends to start quickly and affect the whole head, rather than focusing on one location. This headache can resemble a migraine headache.

Does meningitis headache come and go?

Symptoms of meningitis in children vary depending on the type of meningitis. Viral meningitis often causes mild, flu-like symptoms (fever and headache) that go away on their own. Bacterial meningitis can have more serious symptoms and requires medical care right away.

How long do meningitis headaches last?

Headache attributed to lymphocytic meningitis usually resolves within 1 week (notes of 9.1. 2). In our case series, all patients had headache duration of more than 1 week (as inclusion criteria).

What can be mistaken for meningitis?

Neurosarcoidosis — a rare form of sarcoidosis affecting the central nervous system — can be misdiagnosed as meningitis because of similarities in neurological symptoms, a case study from Mexico reports. Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes, called meninges, that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

Where is meningitis pain located?

Meningitis can cause a stiff neck. This is because it causes inflammation and infection in the meninges surrounding the brain and spine. A person will likely feel the stiffness from the inflammation most noticeably in their neck, which is the most mobile area that the meninges cover.

When should you suspect meningitis?

Seek immediate medical care if you or someone in your family has meningitis signs or symptoms, such as: Fever. Severe, unrelenting headache. Confusion.

Can you have meningitis without fever?

Viral meningitis usually begins with symptoms of a viral infection, such as fever, a general feeling of illness (malaise), cough, muscle aches, vomiting, loss of appetite, and headache. However, occasionally, people have no symptoms at first.