How common is headache in meningitis?

Meningitis can cause headache because the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord become inflamed. The pain may be severe or persistent and may occur with fever, a stiff neck, light sensitivity, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness or confusion. Some people become seriously unwell quickly, and symptoms do not always appear together or in a predictable order.

A headache by itself does not identify meningitis. Many less serious illnesses cause head pain, but the combination of headache with fever, neck stiffness, a marked change in alertness, or a non-blanching rash is a medical warning.

If meningitis is a concern, do not wait to see whether rest or ordinary pain relief settles the symptoms. Contact emergency medical services or go to an emergency department, particularly when headache is accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, unusual sleepiness, seizures, repeated vomiting or a rash. Do not drive yourself if you feel confused, faint or very unwell.

Seek emergency help immediately for a severe or rapidly worsening headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion, difficulty waking, seizure, new weakness, breathing difficulty, or a rash that does not fade when pressed. Babies and young children may show poor feeding, unusual irritability, a weak cry or a bulging soft spot instead of describing headache.

Which symptoms make my headache an emergency? What examination or tests might be needed to find the cause? If I have been near someone with a diagnosed infection, what advice should my household receive?