Meningitis is inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes that is most often caused by an infection.
Bacteria that enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain and spinal cord cause bacterial meningitis.
But bacterial meningitis also can occur when bacteria directly invade the meninges.
This may be caused by an ear or sinus infection, a skull fracture, or — rarely — some surgeries.
The signs and symptoms of meningitis are.
Fever with cold hands and feet.
Vomiting.
Drowsy or difficult to wake.
Confusion and irritability.
Severe muscle pain.
Pale blotchy skin, spots or rash (See Glass Test (link))
Severe headache.
Stiff neck.
Sometimes meningitis can come on without having a stiff neck as some people experience different symptoms than another person.
So if you think you or someone else has meningitis you need to seek medical attention because meningitis can become life threatening.
When you have meningitis some symptoms that you'll experience are fever, headache and stiff neck.
You should always seek immediate medical attention if you have a stiff neck that is accompanied by a fever, headache and/or nausea.