Does meningitis cause light sensitivity?

Photophobia means that ordinary indoor light or daylight feels uncomfortable, painful or unusually intense. With meningitis, irritation of the coverings around the brain can make light harder to tolerate. It may occur with a severe headache, fever, nausea or vomiting, neck stiffness, drowsiness, confusion or a new rash.

Light sensitivity has many other possible causes, including migraine, eye inflammation and some medicines. On its own, it cannot identify the cause. The combination of symptoms, how quickly they began and the person's overall condition guide medical assessment.

If light sensitivity started suddenly or is accompanied by fever, a strong headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, unusual sleepiness or confusion, seek urgent medical assessment. Keep the person in a calm, dim environment while arranging help, but do not delay care to see whether the symptom settles.

Do not drive if the person is confused, faint, having a seizure or too unwell to travel safely. Note when the symptoms began and any recent infection, exposure or medicine change for the clinician.

Call emergency services immediately for difficulty waking, a seizure, trouble breathing, collapse, rapidly worsening headache, new weakness, confusion or a purple or non-blanching rash. Meningitis can worsen quickly and needs prompt assessment, testing and treatment when suspected.

Ask what may be causing the light sensitivity, which symptoms make the situation urgent, whether examination or hospital tests are needed, and which pain or fever medicines are suitable while waiting for care.