Meningitis Neck Pain: A Common Symptom - Healthline

Meningitis is the term used to describe swelling in the membranes which surround your brain and spinal cord. This kind of inflammation affects the nervous system. Meningitis may be viral or bacterial. The symptoms of meningitis may spread to the entire body.

The stiffness and pain in the neck may be an indication of meningitis. The inflammation of the membranes around the brain’s base could trigger this sign and can cause extreme headaches and cognitive issues.

Let’s look at the ways neck pain could be linked to meningitis and when you should be worried.


Meningitis is a neurologic condition that can cause inflammation of the membranes that surround your brain , and spinal cord. This is usually caused by a bacterium or virus, however, it could occur due to a fungus parasites, or an related condition, like cancer.

Meningitis that is caused by viruses can disappear with fluids and rest as the first line of treatment. Meningitis caused by bacteria tends to be more severe and usually requires treatment from a physician in addition to hospitalization.

It’s crucial to understand that any form of meningitis could cause complications.



Meningitis neck pain can appear as stiffness and stiffness whenever you attempt to rotate your neck or move your neck forward. It can be a and throbbing pain that radiates from the base of your skull to the upper back. The cause is swelling that occurs at the back of the neck, in front of your skull. This is something could be felt. feel.

Meningitis-related neck pain may occur with a sensation of soreness or tenderness in the area affected. It can also be accompanied by an ongoing headache or throbbing.


Meningitis refers back to inflammation that results of the meninges. Meninges are 3 layers of membranes protecting your brain as well as your spinal cord. The three membranes that protect your brain are the pia materand the arachnoid along with the dura mater.

Dura mater, also known as the “skin” is your outermost membrane and is most sensitive to pain. If you have something that puts stress on your dura mater and your body reacts with a severe headache that throbs.

The dura mater can also become stiff when it’s irritated. This is the reason why it is common for an infection to develop within your meninges is usually enough to cause neck stiffness and pain.



Meningitis symptoms can affect the whole Central nervous system. The symptoms don’t just affect your neck or brain however, they can affect your entire body.

Meningitis symptoms could be:

There is no need to be each of the symptoms listed in order to be diagnosed as having meningitis.


Meningitis can be identified by testing fluids in the blood as well as spinal fluid from the individual who is exhibiting symptoms. There are a variety of tests that a physician can perform during an examination in person to determine if you’re suffering from signs of meningitis.

Tests for meningitis could consist of:

  • A thorough physical exam at the office of a doctor. In this examination, you’ll be asked about the symptoms you’re experiencing such as neck pain or stiffness. The doctor might search for a”Brudzinski’s Sign” through the test in which your neck is pulled slowly towards the front.
  • A blood test could be necessary to determine if you have meningitis. The test for blood tests checks for the kinds of bacteria to determine whether you’ve got an infection in your blood that is causing meningitis. The test can be used to determine the presence of specific proteins to determine whether you’re suffering from an infection.
  • Imaging tests, like the CT scan, can be used to identify any indication of swelling in the cerebral and spinal cord.
  • The sole test to determine if you have meningitis is through an lumbar puncture. It is often referred to as an spinal tap. In the procedure, a physician employs needles to remove cerebrospinal fluid from the cerebral as well as the spinal cord. Then, the fluid is evaluated for proteins, antibodies, as well as white blood cell count as well as other things.

Treatment for Meningitis is based on the cause that is causing the disease.

Meningitis caused by viral infection is treatable with the rest of your body and lots of fluids. OTC medications may be suggested by your physician to assist suffer from neck pains, headaches, and other symptoms. If the situation is more serious you might be prescribed corticosteroids to decrease swelling of the membrane.

The majority of cases require hospitalization. It is likely that you will be treated using the IV (IV) dose of antimicrobials once you are diagnosed. The use of corticosteroids is also commonly used to reduce the swelling of the brain.

In some instances your doctor may have to drain your sinuses in order to stop the infection from advancing.



Anyone is susceptible to contracting the agent responsible for infection and then develop viral or bacterial meningitis. There are

Some people

people who are at greater risk of contracting an infection than other. Those at elevated risk include:

  • infants and children who go to daycare or school
  • those who are older than 65
  • individuals who live in group homes, or

    college dormitories
  • those who are immunocompromised for example, those suffering from HIV or people with diabetes
  • patients who are on immunosuppressant medication
  • individuals who suffer from an alcohol-related disorder

The likelihood of surviving for those suffering from meningitis is contingent on the source and severity of their illness.

A mild case of viral meningitis usually make complete recovery within two to four weeks. Even if you suffer from meningitis caused by bacteria an early diagnosis or treatment of antibiotics could result in you beginning feeling better quickly.

In some instances of meningitis caused by bacteria the problem is not detected in time to prevent the disease from developing. In these instances, neurological symptoms can take months to heal from.

Meningitis can cause complications for some that cause permanently damaged brain’s auditory center memory loss, as well as the loss of coordination. If the disease persists it could be fatal. It’s crucial that patients suffering from meningitis with a bacterial cause receive testing and treatment as quickly as is possible.


Do you think neck pain is a common sign of meningitis?

Stiffness and neck pain are typical signs of meningitis. This is due to the fact that the disease that causes meningitis is located in the membranes which safeguard the spinal cord and brain.

What’s the signification of Brudzinski’s name?

If you suffer from meningitis, you might experience involuntary movements within the lower part of your body. This kind of involuntary movement of your hips and knees when you lift your head is referred to as the Brudzinski’s sign. It may indicate that meningitis has been present within your body.

When is the best time to see an acupuncturist for neck pain?

Consult a doctor in the event that you experience any of the followingsymptoms:

  • restricted movement range
  • significant throbbing pain that prevents you from doing your daily tasks
  • chronic headaches caused by neck stiffness
  • fatigue and fever, along with the stiffness of neck, headaches, and joint discomfort

A stiff neck or neck pain could be an indication of meningitis. This symptom does not suggest that you’re suffering from meningitis however it is something to be conscious of.

Meningitis is a serious illness that can lead to the death of a person or permanent brain damage. The early diagnosis and treatment will offer the best chance of a full recovery. If you experience neck pain, in addition to other signs of meningitis, then it is recommended to see a physician to determine the cause.