sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Spinal meningitis: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Possible meningitis needs emergency assessment.

    Call emergency services or go to an emergency department now if you or someone else has a combination of fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, unusual sleepiness, repeated vomiting, a seizure, or strong discomfort from light.

    Get emergency help for a red or purple rash that does not fade under pressure, especially with fever or rapid worsening.

    These symptoms are not always an emergency, but they may need assessment and support.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Do not wait for a rash if other meningitis symptoms are present.

    A baby needs urgent assessment for poor feeding, unusual irritability, a high-pitched cry, repeated vomiting, seizures, a swollen soft spot, marked sleepiness, or unusual stiffness or floppiness.

    After meningitis treatment, seek urgent help for a new seizure, increasing confusion, fainting, new weakness, breathing difficulty, or a severe and rapidly worsening headache.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    For routine follow-up, contact your usual healthcare service about continuing fatigue, mild headaches, hearing changes, poor concentration, low mood, or difficulty returning to everyday activities.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Spinal meningitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.