Does a GP consultation treat meningitis?

Meningitis is inflammation around the brain and spinal cord. It may develop with fever, a severe headache, a stiff neck, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion, unusual sleepiness or a rash. Some people become seriously ill quickly, and symptoms do not always appear together. A GP can listen to the history and recognise that hospital assessment is needed, but confirming the cause may require urgent examination, blood tests, a scan or a sample of fluid around the spine. Hospital teams can begin the appropriate treatment and monitoring without avoidable delay.

If meningitis is a concern, call emergency services or go to an emergency department immediately. Do not wait for a routine appointment or rely on a telephone diagnosis. Tell clinicians when the illness began, whether there has been contact with someone unwell, and which medicines have been taken. Keep the person supervised, avoid driving if they are confused or weak, and take any relevant medical information with you.

Get emergency help for fever with a stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, a seizure, marked drowsiness, breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, or a rash that does not fade when pressed. A rapidly worsening illness is also an emergency. Do not wait for a rash to appear: meningitis can be present without one.

What findings make meningitis more or less likely? Which tests are needed urgently? Could the illness be caused by a virus, bacterium or another condition? What monitoring is required? Should close contacts receive specific advice?