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Symptoms of viral and bacterial meningitis are very similar. Here are some of the more common indications of a meningitis infection for a person over 2 years of age:
- High fever
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light
- Confusion
- Sleepiness
In the more advanced stages of bacterial meningitis, a person may also develop bruises under the skin that spread quickly. If left untreated, bacterial meningitis may cause seizures (uncontrollable muscle movement), hearing loss, paralysis, and mental retardation. Bacterial meningitis can be fatal.
If a person experiences these symptoms, then they should go to a doctor immediately. To diagnose meningitis, a doctor will take a spinal tap. This means that the doctor removes a small amount of the Cerebrospinal fluid by inserting a needle into the lower back at the base of the spinal cord and taking out some of the spinal fluid. The doctor then examines the CFS to see if it shows evidence of infection. If the person has viral meningitis, no treatment is given and you recover on your own. If the person has bacterial meningitis, then he or she is given medication to get well.
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