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Meningitis: In children, the symptoms of meningitis vary and depend on both the age of the child and the cause of the infection. Because the flu-like symptoms can be similar in both types of meningitis, particularly in the early stages, and bacterial meningitis can be very serious, it is important to quickly diagnose an infection. The first symptoms of bacterial or viral meningitis can occur within days after a child has had a cold and runny nose, diarrhea and vomiting, or other signs of an infection. Other common symptoms include fever, lethargy (decreased consciousness), irritability, headache, photophobia (eye sensitivity to light), stiff neck, skin rashes, and seizures. Infants with meningitis may not have the symptoms described above and might simply be extremely irritable or lethargic or have a fever. They may be difficult to comfort, even when picked up and rocked. Other symptoms of meningitis in infants can include jaundice (a yellowish tint to the skin), stiffness of the body and neck (neck rigidity), fever or lower-than-normal body temperature, poor feeding, a weak suck, a high-pitched cry, or bulging fontanelles (the soft spot at the top/front of the baby's skull). Viral meningitis tends to cause flu-like symptoms, such as fever and runny nose, and may be so mild that the illness goes undiagnosed. Most cases of viral meningitis resolve completely within 7-10 days without any complications or need for treatment. Most cases of meningitis, both viral and bacterial, result from infections that are contagious. Contagious viruses and bacteria are spread via tiny drops of fluid from the throat and nose of someone who is infected. The drops may become airborne when the person coughs, laughs, talks, or sneezes. They then can infect others when breathed in or if others touch the drops and then touch their own noses or mouths. Sharing food, drinking glasses, eating utensils, tissues, or towels all can transmit infection as well. Some infectious organisms can spread through an individual's stool, and someone who comes in contact with the stool (such as a child in day care) may contract the infection. Infection is most often spread between people who are in close contact. Casual contact at school or work with an infected individual usually will not transmit the infectious agent.
Encephalitis: Encephalitis may cause fever, headache, poor appetite, loss of energy, or a generally ill feeling. In more severe cases, other symptoms might occur including: high fever; severe headache; photophobia (sensitivity to light); nausea and vomiting; stiff neck; confusion; sleepiness, difficulty waking or unconsciousness; or convulsions (seizures).
When encephalitis follows a common illness like chickenpox (Varicella zoster), the signs and symptoms of that illness usually precede symptoms of inflammation in the brain. However, encephalitis can also appear without warning. If symptoms of encephalitis are present, it is important to contact a doctor immediately.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Some symptoms of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are evident immediately, while others are not evident until several days or weeks after the injury.
With mild TBI, the individual may remain conscious or may lose consciousness for a few seconds or minutes. The individual may also feel dazed or confused for several days or weeks after the initial injury. Other symptoms include headache; mental confusion; lightheadedness; dizziness; double vision, blurred vision, or tired eyes; ringing in the ears; bad taste in the mouth; fatigue or lethargy; a change in sleep patterns; behavioral or mood changes; or trouble with memory, concentration, or calculation. Symptoms may remain the same or get better; worsening symptoms indicate a more severe injury. With moderate or severe TBI, the individual may show these same symptoms, but may also have loss of consciousness; personality change; a severe, persistent, or worsening headache; repeated vomiting or nausea; seizures; inability to awaken; dilation (widening) of one or both pupils; slurred speech; weakness or numbness in the extremities; loss of coordination; or increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation. The coexistence of vomiting and neurological problems (such as weakness in a limb) is an important indicator that the condition is worsening. Small children with moderate to severe TBI may show some of these signs as well as signs specific to this population, including persistent crying, inability to be consoled, or refusal to nurse or eat. Anyone with signs of moderate or severe TBI should receive immediate emergency medical attention.
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