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Warning-sign checks

Bacterial meningitis: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for a seizure that does not stop promptly, severe breathing difficulty, collapse, inability to wake, or rapidly worsening confusion.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical advice for new or worsening headaches, repeated vomiting, increasing sleepiness, behavior changes, new weakness, balance problems, or possible seizures.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up needs depend on age, illness severity, and any ongoing symptoms.

    Some people need follow-up with neurology, audiology, infectious disease, rehabilitation, psychology, or other specialists.

    Routine follow-up is appropriate for ongoing fatigue, headaches, sleep changes, hearing concerns, mood changes, memory problems, or difficulty at school or work.

    Rehabilitation may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or cognitive support.

The article also says

Before hospital discharge, the care team should explain the suspected or confirmed cause, treatment received, and warning signs that require further care.

Hearing should be assessed after bacterial meningitis because hearing loss may not be obvious at first.

Babies and children may also need developmental review.

People recovering from meningitis should ask when they can return to school, work, driving, exercise, and other activities.

The answer depends on recovery, seizure history, complications, and local driving or workplace rules.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Bacterial meningitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.