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Warning-sign checks

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

    Seek emergency medical help now if you or someone else has possible meningitis symptoms, especially:

    • Fever with a severe headache, stiff neck or confusion
    • Difficulty waking, unusual drowsiness or rapidly worsening illness
    • A seizure
    • A red or purple rash that does not fade under pressure
    • Breathing difficulty, pale or mottled skin, or very cold hands and feet
    • Concerning symptoms in a baby, including poor feeding, a high-pitched cry, unusual floppiness or a bulging soft spot
    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

    Do not wait for every symptom to appear.

    Do not wait for a rash, and do not rely on a glass test to rule meningitis out.

    If symptoms improve briefly but then worsen, seek urgent reassessment.

    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

    Arrange routine follow-up after meningitis for persistent tiredness, headaches, hearing changes, poor balance, sleep problems, mood changes or difficulty concentrating.

    Get earlier medical advice if these symptoms are worsening or interfering substantially with daily life.

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