Meningitis

Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that envelop and protect the brain and spinal cord. It can have different causes, and some of them require prompt attention.

Common symptoms: these usually include fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, and general malaise; in young children the signs may be less obvious.

When to seek care? The combination of high fever, severe headache, and neck stiffness should prompt an evaluation without delay, since this condition can progress rapidly.

Which specialist treats it? The infectious disease specialist and the neurologist take part in its evaluation, with support from the internist or the pediatrician depending on age; the general practitioner provides guidance at first contact. With signs like these, the most prudent course is to seek care immediately from a health professional.