A meningitis headache is severe head pain caused by inflammation in the membranes (meninges) and fluids around the brain and spinal cord. It develops from a serious infection and requires emergency medical care.
Meningitis is a dangerous form of inflammation that affects the outer lining of the brain and spinal cord. It’s generally due to certain bacterial and viral infections. A headache is a common symptom, but there are other symptoms to watch for.
Since meningitis can be life threatening without treatment, it’s important to recognize some of the key symptoms and seek emergency medical care immediately.
Learn more about meningitis.
What is a meningitis headache?
A meningitis headache refers to severe head pain resulting from inflamed meninges and fluids around your brain and spinal cord. This inflammation is usually due to a related infection.
Depending on the underlying cause of the meningitis infection, this type of headache could indicate a serious condition. Bacterial meningitis is the most severe form, and it also tends to cause more severe headaches.
What are the symptoms of meningitis headaches?
Although a headache isn’t the only symptom of meningitis, its severity, onset, and accompanying symptoms may help a doctor determine the cause.
If you have a meningitis headache, you may develop severe and sudden pain that surrounds your entire head. A stiff neck and fever are other common symptoms of meningitis.
Additionally, you might experience:
- confusion
- extreme fatigue
- nausea
- vomiting
- light sensitivity (photophobia)
- skin rash, which may quickly spread
- seizures
Symptoms of bacterial meningitis tend to have a more sudden and severe onset. This includes a headache.
What causes meningitis headaches?
These headaches develop as a result of inflammation in the meninges, which are the coverings around the brain, from certain types of infections. This inflammation can destroy nerve cells in your brain, which results in a mild to severe headache.
Meningitis is most commonly associated with bacterial and viral meningitis . Fungal meningitis infections are less common but possible. All three types of meningitis may cause headaches.
Other possible, but less common, causes of meningitis include injuries, cancer, and parasitic infections.
What are the risk factors for meningitis headaches?
Anyone who develops meningitis may experience a related headache. Risk factors vary slightly by cause of the initial infection.
Bacterial and viral meningitis are both highly contagious and may spread through close contact with others who have the infection. Bacterial meningitis, in particular, may spread in congested settings, such as college dorms.
People with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to fungal infections that cause meningitis. Risk factors may include:
- steroids
- immunosuppressant medications
- anti-tumor necrosis factor medications
- cancer
- HIV or AIDS
A vaccine for bacterial meningitis is available, with the first doses recommended between ages 11 and 12 years . Vaccination may reduce the risk of developing certain bacterial infections that cause meningitis.
How do doctors diagnose meningitis headaches?
It’s important to seek medical care right away if you suspect meningitis. Getting effective treatment depends on getting an accurate diagnosis. Each cause of meningitis infection requires different treatments.
First, a doctor will ask you about your headache and any other symptoms you’ve been experiencing, including their severity and when they started.
Then, they’ll collect cerebrospinal fluid and blood samples to help confirm or rule out meningitis. These can also help determine whether you have a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.
Imaging tests like CT or MRI scans may also help a doctor diagnose meningitis.
How do doctors treat meningitis headaches?
Treating meningitis aims to resolve the underlying infection and help alleviate symptoms such as headaches.
Treatment depends on the cause of meningitis and may include:
- antibiotics
- antiviral treatments
- antifungals
- corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
- anticonvulsants
A doctor may also recommend over-the-counter or prescription pain medications to help relieve your headache.
What’s the outlook for people with meningitis headaches?
Meningitis needs immediate medical care. Once you have a diagnosis, getting treatment can help prevent complications such as brain damage, seizures, and blood infections. Without treatment, some cases may be fatal.
Doctors consider bacterial meningitis the most dangerous form, and it has an estimated 10% to 15% fatality rate.
Viral meningitis, though slightly more prevalent than bacterial forms, has a far better outlook. Most adults experience full recovery within several weeks.
Once a doctor determines the type of meningitis you have, treatment can help reduce inflammation and subsequent headaches.
Frequently asked questions
What does a meningitis headache feel like?
A meningitis headache can be severe. This type of headache is often worse if you bend your neck forward.
If a bacterial infection is the cause, the headache may also have a sudden onset. Also, unlike tension or cluster headaches, a meningitis headache tends to affect your entire head rather than a few areas.
What is usually the first symptom of meningitis?
The first symptoms of meningitis include a headache, a stiff neck, and fever. It’s possible to experience these at the same time or one before the others.
What are the red flags of meningitis?
Fever, confusion, and neck stiffness are considered triad symptoms of meningitis, so a doctor might note them during an examination. These may also be possible red flags in yourself or a loved one.
Takeaway
A headache is a common symptom of meningitis, which is a condition that causes inflammation in your brain and spinal cord. Certain bacterial and viral infections are the most common causes, with fungal meningitis rarer.
A meningitis headache tends to develop suddenly with severe pain, especially in bacterial forms. The pain can also affect your entire head.
If you suspect that you or a loved one has a headache or any other symptoms related to meningitis, seek medical care right away. A doctor can confirm whether the headache is attributed to meningitis and offer potentially lifesaving treatment.
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