Signs and Symptoms
The early symptoms of meningitis can appear similar to ‘flu’ or an upset stomach:
- Fever
- Headache
- Vomiting and/or Diarrhoea
- Muscle pain
- Stomach cramps
- Fever with cold hands and feet
Other common signs and symptoms that develop include:
- Drowsy or difficult to wake
- Confusion and irritability
- Severe muscle pain
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Dislike of bright lights
- Convulsions or seizures
- Pale blotchy skin, spots or rash (See Glass Test)
The rash is commonly associated with meningitis but may not develop in all cases
See the Meningitis Now1 short videos for more about meningitis symptoms in both adults and babies and toddlers: