Meningitis is a brain infection that causes characteristic symptoms that should not be neglected since it can be life-threatening in just a few hours. List of symptoms with Dr Muhamed-Kheir Taha, director of the National Reference Center for Meningococci at the Pasteur Institute.
Meningitis corresponds to a inflammation of the meningesthe membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. It can occur at any age, including adults, but is particularly common in babies under one year old and adolescents. Unlike viral meningitis, which is generally benign, bacterial meningitis is a very serious infection. fatal in 10% cases. Tour of the 11 warning symptoms with Dr Muhamed-Kheir Taha, director of the National Reference Center for Meningococci at the Pasteur Institute.
1. A severe headache
“Intense and violent headaches are one of the typical signs of the onset of meningitis, both in children and adults. These headaches are exacerbated by exposure to noise and light and are not relieved by traditional painkillers.“, describes Dr. Taha. On the other hand, headaches are difficult to detect in young children, who are not yet able to express themselves. A headache that persists and does not disappear with medication is a sign that should not be overlooked: it is important to consult a doctor.
2. A fever that lasts
“A fever above 38°C, which appears suddenly, persists and does not go down is a symptom that should not be taken lightly, in babies, children and adults. This does not necessarily mean that it is meningitis, but it is something to think aboutinsists our expert. We often explain to parents that the first 19 hours of meningitis resemble a bad flu, with similar symptoms: vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, severe fatigue, etc.“If the fever is accompanied by other typical symptoms of bacterial meningitis (stiff neck, photophobia, purpura, etc.), call Samu (15 or 112).
3. A stiff neck
“Neck stiffness indicates a defensive contracture of the neck muscles during inflammation of the meninges. It is accompanied by permanent pain, which can sometimes be unbearable.“, explains Dr. Taha. See a doctor urgently.
► In children, adolescents and adults, a stiff neck associated with unbearable pain is one of the typical symptoms of meningitis.
► In infants and babies, on the contrary, a soft neck – and not stiff as in older children – as well as a bulging fontanel (membranous space between the bones of the skull still not attached to each other in the newborn) are warning signs.
4. A brutal intolerance to light
“An intolerance or extreme sensitivity to natural or artificial light – called photophobia – is a typical sign of meningitis in children, adolescents and adults.“, indicates the specialist. Concretely, an individual suffers from photophobia when, when looking at a light source, they have eye pain and severe headaches. Photophobia can be the manifestation of a simple migraine or a benign illness, or in certain cases even meningitis. Talk to a doctor.
5. Vomiting
“In cases of meningitis, vomiting and abdominal pain appear quite early, usually within the first 15 hours of infection.“, explains Dr Taha. Often caused by changes in position, this “jet” vomiting occurs effortlessly and unrelated to meals. In the event of vomiting associated with other typical symptoms of meningitis (stiff neck in children or adults, soft neck in babies, headache, pale complexion, fever, hypersensitivity to light, etc.), quickly consult a doctor who can make a diagnosis and consider appropriate treatment.
6. Pain in the legs
“In the first hours of certain bacterial meningitis (types W and C), pain in the legs, thighs or spine (spinal pain) should be monitored because they can be a sign of sepsis.explains the expert. By passing into the blood, the strain of the bacteria can cause inflammation of the blood vessels that supply the legs, which causes pain. Be careful, pain in the legs or thighs is not necessarily a manifestation of meningitis. It can be if it is associated with other signs such as fever, cold extremities, headache or fever.
7. Cold hands or feet
“Very cold or even frozen hands and feet is one of the typical signs of meningitis. This symptom generally appears during the first 15 hours and is accompanied by a fever of more than 38°C“, describes our interlocutor. If your child’s hands and feet are very cold and you cannot warm them in a blanket or between your hands, consult a doctor urgently, especially if he has a fever.
8. Small red spots on the skin
“Bacterial meningitis may begin with nonspecific symptoms such as fever or vomiting. On the other hand, small red or purple spots on the skin that do not disappear when pressed with a finger can be a specific sign of meningitis in babies, children or adults and should alert“, insists Dr Muhamed-Kheir Taha. it may be purpura fulminans, a septicemia with hemorrhagic lesions which spread very quickly over the surface of the skin. A simple test to recognize purpura: take a transparent glass and press the bottom of the glass on the spot. If it does not disappear, it may be purpura. Contact the emergency room: they will be able to set up emergency treatment based on antibiotics.
9. A pale or expressionless face
“A pale complexion or an expressionless face are signs to watch out for. If associated with other symptoms such as fever or vomiting, consult a doctor“, advises our interlocutor.
► In young children, unusual high-pitched crying and screams, refusal to eat and more generally “a child who is not as usual (gray complexion, sluggish attitude, etc.) can be real warning signs, it is important to trust your instinct as a parent and call 15“, he explains.
► In adolescents or young adults, meningitis is more difficult to detect. A change in behavior, withdrawal into oneself, sudden isolation, a tendency to curl up in bed, accompanied by an altered general state are signs that should not be overlooked. It is advisable to consult a doctor.
10. A “gundog” position
“A “gundog” position, that is to say lying on your side, back to the light, legs bent and head slightly back, can be one of the warning signs of meningitis in children or adolescents.“, explains the specialist. Observe your child: if his head is often thrown back and contracted in extension, this may reveal neck stiffness. It is better to consult a doctor quickly.
11. Drowsiness
“A baby, child or adult who is sleepy and more irritable than usual should be monitored, says Dr. Taha. For certain bacterial meningitis or viral meningoencephalitis, there are deeper disturbances of consciousness such as mental confusion. It is rarer, but these are also warning symptoms.” Drowsiness associated with other typical signs of meningitis (headache, neck stiffness, purpura, etc.) is a medical emergency.
What are the symptoms of meningitis in children?
In young children: unusual crying and high-pitched screams, abnormal irritability, hypersensitivity to touch, fever, refusal to eat and vomiting, soft neck and bulging fontanel, gray or “marbled” appearance, cold extremities.
What are the symptoms of meningitis in adults?
In adults and children: leg or joint pain, photophobia, stiff neck, severe headache, fever, expressionless face, vomiting, confusion or drowsiness, cold extremities and sometimes seizures.
What are the symptoms of meningitis in adolescents?
In adolescents: identical signs as in adults with the addition of withdrawal, permanent isolation, great fatigue and a “gundog” attitude.
Thanks to Dr Muhamed-Kheir Taha, director of the National Reference Center for Meningococci at the Pasteur Institute.
