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A characteristic of meningitis is the rapid onset of symptoms, which may result in death within only a few hours.
The first symptom of meningitis is usually vomiting. A severe bursting headache develops because the meninges have become inflamed and the pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid has increased.
Stiffness of the neck then develops, due to irritation of the spinal nerves supplying those muscles. The degree of stiffness varies, but often the head is retracted, and in small children the head and spine may be drawn backward like a bow. Deep reflexes are exaggerated, and convulsions may occur in infants and small children.
In more severe cases, the cerebrospinal fluid becomes so thickened by pus that the passages between the ventricles (cavities) of the brain and the spaces in the spinal meninges become blocked, causing fluid to accumulate.
The accumulation of fluid in the ventricles may in turn result in internal hydrocephalus, which causes coma and death unless relieved.
The results of bacterial meningitis can include seizures, deafness, blindness, paralysis, and various degrees of impairment of the intellect.
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