2. Severe Headache: The Unrelenting Pain
Next on our list is the severe headache that accompanies meningitis. This isn’t just your regular headache; it’s often described as the worst headache ever experienced, even by individuals who frequently suffer migraines. The pain tends to be persistent and debilitating, causing significant discomfort and distress.
This headache is typically a dull, throbbing pain that pervades the entire head. The intensity can vary but it rarely ever completely disappears. It’s a pain that’s always there, lurking in the background and intensifying without warning.
The relentless nature of these headaches is a significant clue to their sinister origins. Regular headaches, even severe ones, typically have a start and endpoint. They come on, peak, and then gradually subside.
Meningitis headaches, on the other hand, don’t follow this pattern. They remain consistent and persistent, adding to the list of suspicious symptoms that indicate something more severe is at play.
These headaches often worsen with eye movement, physical activity, or when exposed to bright lights. The severity and persistence of these headaches can be disabling, often disrupting sleep and everyday activities. It’s a symptom that’s hard to ignore, especially when coupled with the high fever that we discussed earlier.
The danger, however, lies in mistaking this symptom for a common migraine or tension headache. This is why it’s crucial to consider the entire symptom profile when making a judgment call. (2)
