Meningitis is considered as a medical condition triggered by the inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. The condition can be caused by a bacteria, virus or fungus. The indicative symptoms of meningitis typically include high fever, flu-like symptoms and rash that appear between 13-22 hours after the start of the illness. Take note that this time is vital since the average time until the individual is ill enough for hospitalization is about 19 hours.
It is important to note that there are indicative signs – cold hands or feet, leg pain and pale skin that are usually present within 8 hours to watch out for. By noticing these symptoms, it can be vital to a successful recovery. By enrolling in one of the classes on first aid, you can learn measures to ease the symptoms.
Leg pain
The precise reason why individuals experience leg pain as a symptom of meningitis is still unclear even until today. It is believed that the leg pain is a response to the chemicals released by the body as a response to the inflammation. Some of the chemicals that the body releases to fight off the inflammation such as cytokines can lead to strong muscle contractions that results to leg pain.
Pale skin
The appearance of pale skin is an early indication that the individual has meningitis. Take note that this sign occurs due to the lack of blood that circulates in the body.
Cold hands or feet
When it comes to bacterial meningitis, it is considered as a serious condition that must be properly assessed by a doctor. The bacteria responsible for causing the inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord can also infect the bloodstream. As the body tries to protect the internal organs from damage from the infection, the blood flow stops which leaves the extremities such as the feet and hands feeling cold due to the lack of blood circulation.
Flu-like symptoms
The flu-like symptoms including tiredness, headache and malaise are the characteristic symptoms of meningitis. Take note that these symptoms are non-specific, meaning that they might be symptoms of other conditions which makes the diagnosis difficult.
High fever
One of the initial signs of meningitis among young children is high fever. The fever occurs as a response to the infection which results to the inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. Once the body tries to fight the infection, the body temperature increases which results to fever.
Stiff neck
A trademark symptom of meningitis is a stiff neck. Since the infection results to inflammation of the membranes around the spinal cord and brain, the neck becomes difficult to move.
Skin rashes
Skin rashes are considered as a common symptom of meningitis that typically manifests about 13 hours after the start of the illness. The rashes manifest as small-sized, red marks on the skin of the individual that does not vanish when glass is pressed against the skin.