The main symptoms of meningitis are all due to the dysfunction of the central nervous system. Be aware that symptoms can vary according to the age of the child. Symptoms include:
Young children may have fever and vomiting associated with irritability, drowsiness and confusion. They may be very hard to assess and parent's anxieties about their state of responsiveness and alertness must always be taken seriously. 22
Older children are more likely to have fever, vomiting and complain of headache, stiff neck and photophobia. 7
Teenagers may present with symptoms related to a change in behaviour such as confusion or aggression. These may mimic the symptoms of alcohol or drug intoxication 23.