Meningitis
Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, which line the brain. It's a word that terrifies parents and doctors alike. It causes headache which classically starts gradually and increases rapidly, becoming severe, associated with fever, nausea and vomiting, neck stiffness and dislike of light. There are a number of different causes. The most severe and life-threatening is by bacteria such as the meningococcus, which can rapidly produce coma and death, and may be associated with a characteristic red rash which, since it is caused by bleeding from damaged blood vessels in the skin, does not blanch (disappear) when pressed by a glass.
Some causes (such as meningococcus A and C, haemophilus influenz'e B) may be prevented by vaccination.
Viral meningitis is less severe, will more gradual onset, and rarely life-threatening.
Tuberculous meningitis, a common complication of tuberculosis in regions where it is widespread, causes headache of much more gradual onset, over a period of two-to-three weeks.
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