Intense Headache
Severe headaches stemming from meningitis are significantly more intense than a typical headache. The inflammation caused by an infection in the brain’s lining leads to excruciating pain. As a result, the patient experiences aching throughout the entire skull. The severity of this pain renders patients unable to carry out their regular activities. It is crucial for individuals to seek medical attention whenever they experience such a severe headache, particularly if accompanied by other symptoms of meningitis.
Neck Stiffness and an Arched Spine
Experiencing neck pain and stiffness is a prevalent symptom that many individuals encounter. One possible cause of this discomfort is an infection and inflammation of the lining surrounding the spinal cord, which leads to a stretching sensation and extreme pain during movement. Specifically, looking downwards tends to exacerbate the pain. In children affected by meningitis, this pain may manifest as arching over backward, a condition known as opisthotonos.