Meningitis symptoms

Meningitis and septicaemia are very dangerous and can kill in hours.

Meningitis means swelling of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. Septicaemia is blood poisoning caused by the same germs. Meningitis and septicaemia can occur together or separately.

People who are faced with meningitis and septicaemia have to act fast to save a life - a race against time.

Meningitis and septicaemia can be hard to recognise at first. Symptoms can appear in any order, but the first symptoms are usually fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell, just like in many mild illnesses.

The 'red flag' symptoms often appear earlier than meningitis symptoms like neck stiffness and dislike of light, and before the more serious symptoms

The darker pictures indicate serious symptoms

Septicaemia

	Fever/vomiting
	Limb / joint / muscle pain
	Cold hands and feet / shivering
	Pale or mottled skin
	Breathing fast / breathless
	Rash (anywhere on the body)
	Very sleepy / vacant / difficult to wake
	Confused / delirious

Meningitis

	Fever/vomiting
	Severe headache
	Stiff neck (Less common in young children)
	Dislike of bright lights (Less common in young children)
	Very sleepy / vacant / difficult to wake
	Confused / delirious
	Rash (anywhere on the body) (Not present in all cases)
	Seizures

• Not everyone gets all these symptoms
• Septicaemia can occur with or without meningitis

What should I do if I am worried about someone who is ill?

Trust your instincts. Someone who has meningitis or septicaemia could become seriously ill very quickly. Get medical help immediately if you are worried about someone who is ill.

Tumbler test for septicaemia

Picture courtesy Prof P Brandtzaeg

If someone is ill and gets a rash, do the 'Tumbler Test'.

Check for spots over the whole body.

If a glass tumbler is pressed firmly against a septicaemic rash, the marks will not fade. You will be able to see the rash through the glass. If this happens get medical advice immediately. It is harder to see on dark skin, so check paler areas. Remember someone who is very ill needs medical help even if they have no rash or a rash that fades.

IF THIS HAPPENS GET MEDICAL HELP IMMEDIATELY.

Watch out for tiny red or brown pin prick marks, which can change into larger red or purple blotches or blood blisters.

The rash can be harder to see on dark skin, so check for spots especially on paler areas like palms of the hands, soles of the feet, the stomach, inside the eyelids and on the roof of the mouth.

Remember, a very ill person needs medical help even if there are only a few spots, a rash or no rash at all.

Meningitis rash test video

Watch Dr Hilary Jones explain about the septicaemic rash and how to perform the tumbler test below.