What are the clinical features of meningitis?

  • Classical presentation is with a triad of fever, altered mental state and neck stiffness
  • Other presenting features include:
Features of Systemic Infection
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Malaise
  • High fever
  • Purpuric or petechial skin rash (in meningococcal meningitis)
Meningism
  • Neck stiffness
  • Headache
  • Photophobia
CNS dysfunction
  • Agitation
  • Decreased consciousness
  • Seizures
  • Focal neurological defect