What are the signs and symptoms of meningitis?

The signs and symptoms of meningitis primarily include fever and headache, which are the most common indicators of this serious condition. Fever arises as the body reacts to the infection, while headache typically results from inflammation of the meninges—the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Together, these symptoms serve as significant warning signs that prompt further evaluation and intervention.

While nausea and vomiting, confusion and rash, and seizures and lethargy can occur in meningitis cases, they are often associated with more advanced stages or specific types of the illness. The classic triad of meningitis symptoms often includes fever, headache, and stiff neck; however, headache and fever stand out as key presentations in many patients, making them the most critical signs to recognize early in the course of the disease. Recognizing these symptoms promptly is essential for timely treatment and management of meningitis.