A neurologist has issued a stark warning about a specific type of headache that could "kill you in hours." He urged that people "should not ignore" this headache, as it may be brought on by a potentially fatal infection.
Understanding the Danger
Headaches are fairly common. They can arise from colds or flu, dehydration, stress, problems with vision, and skipping meals regularly, among other causes. However, in certain circumstances, they can signal something far more serious. In a video shared on social media, neurologist Dr. Baibing Chen warned that a headache caused by meningitis is an "emergency."
He said: "This headache can kill you in hours. And these are the warning signs that you should never ignore. Now, I want to say most headaches are not emergencies, but meningitis is different."
What Is Meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection that attacks the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening if not treated swiftly. Dr. Chen continued: "And it can be caused by things like viruses, bacteria, or even fungi. The bacterial form of meningitis is the one that scares us the most because it can become life-threatening very quickly. And that's also one reason vaccines against bacteria like haemophilus, influenza type B, pneumococcus, and meningococcus have saved countless lives by preventing some of the most dangerous forms of bacterial meningitis."
Recognizing the Symptoms
Should you develop a headache alongside other meningitis symptoms, seeking urgent medical attention is absolutely vital. Dr. Chen explained: "The classic symptoms of meningitis are a severe headache, a high fever, a stiff neck and sensitivity to light. Some people also become confused, extremely sleepy or develop a purple rash that doesn't fade when you press on it."
The NHS website characterizes a meningitis headache as "a severe headache that is getting worse." Dr. Chen warned that in its early stages, meningitis may not appear to be a serious condition. He stated: "Early on, meningitis can look a lot like common viral illnesses. And that's one reason people sometimes wait too long before seeking medical care. So if someone has these symptoms, especially if they're not vaccinated, go to the emergency department immediately because getting evaluated and treated early gives doctors the best chance to identify the cause and start the right treatment as quickly as possible."
Causes of Meningitis
According to the NHS, meningitis can be caused by many different types of viruses or bacteria, which are spread through close contact with a person who has them. For example: contact with the person's spit, such as kissing them, or sharing drinks or vapes; being in close contact with the person for a lot of time, such as living in the same home. The infection is usually spread by people who carry these viruses or bacteria but are not ill themselves.
Although anyone can get it, meningitis is more common in: babies and young children; teenagers and young adults; older people; people with a weakened immune system – for example, people with HIV or having chemotherapy. It's important to note that it's possible to get meningitis more than once.
When to Call 999
The NHS says you should call 999 or go to A&E if an adult or child aged five years or over: has a very high or very low temperature, feels hot or cold to the touch, or is shivery; has a very painful headache; is confused, has slurred speech, or is not making sense; has a stiff neck and cannot look at bright lights; has a rash that does not fade when you press it; has a seizure (fit) for the first time; has symptoms you're worried might be meningitis.
You should also call 999 if a baby or child under five years: has a very high temperature – 38C or more in babies under three months old, or 39C or more in babies three to six months old; has a very low temperature – less than 36C, or feels cold to the touch or is shivery; has a weak, high-pitched or continuous cry; has a rash that does not fade when you press it; is not responding like they normally do, is not feeding, or is floppy, difficult to wake or more sleepy than usual; has symptoms you're worried might be meningitis.
