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Medical Author:

Robert Kacprowicz, MD, FAAEM

Robert Kacprowicz, MD, FAAEM

Robert Kacprowicz, MD, FAAEM, is board-certified in emergency medicine by the American Board of Emergency Medicine. Dr. Kacprowicz's educational background includes a BS in biology from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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When to Seek Medical Care

Because meningitis can be so serious, seeking immediate medical care is essential if you experience the symptoms described above and think that meningitis could be the cause. Fever, headache, neck stiffness, and any change in a person's thinking (for example, unusually sleepy, acting "goofy," talking nonsense) together suggest meningitis.

In all cases, meningitis is a disease that should be diagnosed and treated immediately. This condition is an emergency that is usually best evaluated in an emergency department, rather than a doctor's office.

If transportation is not available, calling an ambulance is best. Call 911 immediately if you are having difficulty breathing. If friends or family members notice a person experiencing confusion or seizures, or the person is difficult to awaken, they should call 911 immediately.