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When to Seek Medical Care

Early diagnosis and treatment are very important with brain infections. However, most of the symptoms of meningitis and other central nervous system infections can be caused by other medical conditions, too. Do not panic. In young infants, meningitis might look like general symptoms such as crying too much, sleeping too much, eating too little, irritability, and listlessness. Whenever you suspect meningitis or any other brain infection, or are in doubt, call your doctor.

Call 911 if an ill person has an altered level of consciousness with high fever, respiratory distress, severe headache with vomiting, a new seizure or if your baby appears to be lethargic, with poor feeding, a high fever, and vomiting.