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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services or go to an emergency department now if someone has possible meningitis symptoms, especially:
Fever with a severe headache or stiff neck
New confusion, extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking
A seizure
Sudden weakness, trouble speaking or loss of consciousness
Repeated vomiting with a worsening headache
A baby who is difficult to wake, feeds poorly or has a bulging soft spot
Fever or neurological changes after brain surgery or with a CSF device
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Do not wait for every classic symptom.
A rash is not required.
If meningitis is suspected, the person should not drive themselves.
After treatment, seek urgent medical advice for a returning fever, worsening headache, repeated vomiting, new confusion, a seizure, or redness or leaking fluid around a surgical wound or shunt.
And for anyone, someone who:
has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate for stable but persistent fatigue, concentration problems, mild headaches, hearing concerns or difficulty returning to normal activities.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Gram-negative meningitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.