Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the tissues that cover and protect the spinal cord and brain–the meninges. Although this infection is most common in infants and children, bacterial meningitis can occur in adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and mycobacteria are the most common causes of bacterial meningitis among adults in the United States. Symptoms of bacterial meningitis in adults commonly develop over a period of hours and rapidly progress. Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.
High Fever and Severe Headache
Bacterial meningitis typically causes a sudden high fever, usually accompanied by chills. A severe headache generally accompanies the onset of fever. The headache is unlikely to be relieved by over-the-counter pain medications.
Photophobia
A common symptom of bacterial meningitis is an aversion to bright light. People with this symptom typically want to be in the dark and react to bright light by turning away or reflexively covering their eyes.
Stiff Neck
Irritation of the meninges causes a stiff neck. Bringing the chin to the chest is difficult and typically causes intense pain.
Purple Skin Rash
Meningitis caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis or meningococcus often results in a characteristic skin rash. Red or purple dots may appear anywhere on the skin. They are not raised, do not itch, and do not fade when you press on them. These skin lesions represent small areas of bleeding into the skin.
The U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends immunization against meningococcal disease for some adults, including those living in a dormitory or group setting, people with medical conditions that put them at increased risk for meningococcus, and those who are traveling to locations where the disease is common. Talk with your doctor about whether she recommends meningococcal vaccination for you.
Nausea and Vomiting
Bacterial meningitis generally causes nausea and vomiting. The infection irritates the brain and increases pressure, which triggers the nausea and vomiting centers of the brain.
Drowsiness and Altered Mental Status
As bacterial meningitis develops, the brain is increasingly affected. Initial symptoms include lack of energy, indifference and irritability. Mental symptoms progress with time and commonly manifest as mental dullness or cloudiness, confusion and intense drowsiness. Coma typically develops unless the infection is treated promptly.
Seizures
The irritation of the meninges may cause seizures, which usually involve loss of consciousness and muscular jerking throughout the body. Seizure activity coupled with any of the other symptoms of bacterial meningitis constitutes a medical emergency; call 911.
About this Author
Tina Andrews has been a medical writer and editor since 2000. She has published in “Cancer,” “Ethnicity & Disease,” and “Liver Health Today,” and was formerly a medical officer with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Andrews holds a Doctor of Medicine degree and a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry.
