Meningitis is a medical condition caused by inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known collectively as the meninges. The inflammation is usually caused by infection with viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms but may also arise due to certain drugs, or other diseases.Meningitis is potentially life threatening due to the inflammation’s proximity to the brain and spinal cord; it is therefore a medical emergency.

The symptoms of meningitis are similar for both bacterial and viral forms of the disease. Adults and older children typically experience:

• Fever and chillsHeadache
• Vomiting
• Stiff neck (patient may not be able to curl up in bed with nose to knees)
• Irritability and drowsiness
• Eyes that are sensitive to light
• Delirium and confusion (uncommon)
• Seizures (rare)
• Coma (rare)

Symptoms in infants and young children include:

• Whimpering and crying in a high-pitched tone
• Difficulty in waking and very lethargic when awake
• Fussiness when being held or cuddled
• Arching the back and retracting the neck
• Staring blankly at their surroundings
• Having a high fever and cold hands and feet
• Refusing food
• Vomiting
• Appearing pale or blotchy

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