Meningitis Quiz
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My head hurts when I rotate my head
Fatigued
Light sensitivity
Have a fever
Light sensitivity headache
Becoming listless and unenergetic
Brain fog
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the fluid and membrane (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord usually caused by bacterial or viral infections, brain injuries, cancer, and certain drugs. It is a medical emergency that can lead to permanent brain and nerve damage.
Typical Symptoms of Meningitis
- Unable to execute simple commands such as 'squeeze my hand and then let it go'
- Weakness or paralysis on one side of your body
- Seizure
- History of HIV or AIDS
- Difficulty speaking, performing tasks, or recognizing things
- Recent changes in mental state
- Fever
- Knees bend when lifting head lying down
Diagnostic Questions for Meningitis
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Are you unable to execute simple commands such as 'squeeze my hand and then let it go'?
- Do you have weakness or paralysis on one side of your body?
- Have you experienced any seizures?
- Have you ever been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS?
- Have you been experiencing difficulty speaking, performing tasks, or recognizing things?
Treatment of Meningitis
Meningitis is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment in the hospital. Treatment includes antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.
Reviewed By:
Kenji Taylor, MD, MSc (Family Medicine, Primary Care)
Dr. Taylor is a Japanese-African American physician who grew up and was educated in the United States but spent a considerable amount of time in Japan as a college student, working professional and now father of three. After graduating from Brown, he worked in finance first before attending medical school at Penn. He then completed a fellowship with the Centers for Disease Control before going on to specialize in Family and Community Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) where he was also a chief resident. After a faculty position at Stanford, he moved with his family to Japan where he continues to see families on a military base outside of Tokyo, teach Japanese residents and serve remotely as a medical director for Roots Community Health Center. He also enjoys editing and writing podcast summaries for Hippo Education.
Shohei Harase, MD (Neurology)
Dr. Harase spent his junior and senior high school years in Finland and the U.S. After graduating from the University of Washington (Bachelor of Science, Molecular and Cellular Biology), he worked for Apple Japan Inc. before entering the University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Okinawa Prefectural Chubu Hospital, where he received the Best Resident Award in 2016 and 2017. In 2021, he joined the Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, specializing in hyperacute stroke.
Content updated on Mar 31, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- My body is jerking
- Antisocial behavior and language difficulty
- Twitching
- Fever seizures (with fever of >100.4°F / 38°C)
- Can't say what I want to say
- Seizures without fever
- Problems remembering
- The first seizure
- Repetitive seizures
- Speech is difficult and requires conscious effort
- Seizure with fainting
- Seizures when I wake up
- Can't read words like I used to
- I have a seizure that is not symmetric
- Can't perform tasks
See full list
Symptoms Related to Meningitis
Diseases Related to Meningitis
FAQs
Q.
Are brain-eating amoeba infections rare in the US?
A.
Yes, brain-eating amoeba infections are very rare in the US, with only a few cases reported each year.
References:
Mukhtar F, & Wazir MS. (2015). NAEGLARIA FOWLERI: THE BRAIN EATING AMOEBA OR .... Journal of Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad :, JAMC.., 26721056.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26721056/
Pugh JJ, & Levy RA. (2016). Naegleria fowleri: Diagnosis, Pathophysiology of Brain .... ACS chemical neuroscience, 27525348.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27525348/
Yoder JS, Eddy BA, Visvesvara GS, Capewell L, & Beach MJ. (2010). The epidemiology of primary amoebic .... Epidemiology and infection, 19845995.
Q.
Can you get brain-eating amoeba from drinking water?
A.
You can't get brain-eating amoeba from drinking water, but it can be dangerous if it goes up your nose.
References:
Kim JH, Sohn HJ, Shin HJ, Walz SE, & Jung SY. (2024). Understanding the pathogenicity of Naegleria fowleri in .... Parasites, hosts and diseases, 39622651.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39622651
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2013). primary amebic meningoencephalitis associated with ritual .... MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report, 24226628.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24226628/
Daft BM, Visvesvara GS, Read DH, Kinde H, Uzal FA, & Manzer MD. (2005). Seasonal meningoencephalitis in Holstein cattle caused by .... Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc, 16475525.
Q.
Can you survive a brain-eating amoeba infection?
A.
Surviving a brain-eating amoeba infection is very rare, but there have been a few cases of survival with early diagnosis and treatment.
References:
Heggie TW, & Küpper T. (2017). Surviving Naegleria fowleri infections: A successful case .... Travel medicine and infectious disease, 28013053.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28013053/
Pugh JJ, & Levy RA. (2016). Naegleria fowleri: Diagnosis, Pathophysiology of Brain .... ACS chemical neuroscience, 27525348.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27525348/
Moseman AP, Chen C-w, Liang X, Liao D, Kuraoka M, & Moseman EA. (2024). Therapeutic glycan-specific antibody binding mediates .... Infection and immunity, 39235225.
Q.
How do you get infected with brain-eating amoeba?
A.
You can get infected with brain-eating amoeba by swimming in warm freshwater lakes or rivers where the amoeba lives. It enters the body through the nose and travels to the brain.
References:
Saleem T, Jamal SB, Alzahrani B, Basheer A, Wajid Abbasi S, Ali M, et al. (2023). In-silico drug design for the novel Karachi-NF001 strain .... Frontiers in molecular biosciences, 36845543.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36845543/
Lawande RV, Macfarlane JT, Weir WR, & Awunor-Renner C. (1980). A case of primary amebic meningoencephalitis in .... The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene, 7352624.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7352624/
Köseoğlu AE, Özgül F, Işıksal EN, Şeflekçi Y, Tülümen D, Özgültekin B, et al. (2024). In silico discovery of diagnostic/vaccine candidate .... Gene, 38253295.
Q.
How quickly does PAM infection progress?
A.
PAM infection, caused by Naegleria fowleri, progresses very quickly, often within a few days of exposure.
References:
Phung NTN, Pham HT, Tran TT, Dinh VH, Tran NM, Tran NAN, et al. (2025). Naegleria fowleri: Portrait of a Cerebral Killer. Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland), 39795618.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39795618/
Wang Q, Li J, Ji J, Yang L, Chen L, Zhou R, et al. (2018). A case of Naegleria fowleri related primary amoebic .... BMC infectious diseases, 30055569.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30055569/
Rodríguez-Mera IB, Rojas-Hernández S, Barrón-Graciano KA, & Carrasco-Yépez MM. (2024). Analysis of virulence factors in extracellular vesicles .... Parasitology research, 39432113.
Q.
How to prevent brain-eating amoeba infection?
A.
To prevent brain-eating amoeba infections, avoid swimming in warm freshwater and use properly treated water for activities like swimming and splashing.
References:
Dulski TM, Montgomery F, Ramos JM, Rosenbaum ER, Boyanton BL Jr, Cox CM, et al. (2025). Fatal Case of Splash Pad-Associated Naegleria fowleri .... MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report, 40146665.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40146665/
Alanazi A, Younas S, Ejaz H, Alruwaili M, Alruwaili Y, Mazhari BBZ, et al. (2025). Advancing the understanding of Naegleria fowleri: Global .... Journal of infection and public health, 39913985.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39913985/
Sohn HJ, Park AY, Lee JH, Yun KH, Song KJ, Kim JH, & Shin HJ. (2024). Amoebicidal effect of chlorine dioxide gas against .... Parasitology research, 38652173.
Q.
How to protect yourself from Naegleria fowleri when swimming?
A.
To protect yourself from Naegleria fowleri when swimming, avoid warm freshwater and prevent water from entering your nose.
References:
Alanazi A, Younas S, Ejaz H, Alruwaili M, Alruwaili Y, Mazhari BBZ, et al. (2025). Advancing the understanding of Naegleria fowleri: Global .... Journal of infection and public health, 39913985.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39913985/
Yoder JS, Blackburn BG, Craun GF, Hill V, Levy DA, Chen N, et al. (2004). Surveillance for waterborne-disease outbreaks associated .... Morbidity and mortality weekly report. Surveillance summaries (Washington, D.C. : 2002), 15499306.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15499306/
Daft BM, Visvesvara GS, Read DH, Kinde H, Uzal FA, & Manzer MD. (2005). Seasonal meningoencephalitis in Holstein cattle caused by .... Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc, 16475525.
Q.
How to safely rinse sinuses to avoid amoeba?
A.
To rinse your sinuses safely and avoid amoeba infections, use sterile or distilled water and keep your nasal rinse equipment clean.
References:
Haston JC, Serra C, Imada E, Martin E, Ali IKM, & Cope JR. (2024). Acanthamoeba Infection and Nasal Rinsing, United States .... Emerging infectious diseases, 38526242.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38526242/
Alanazi A, Younas S, Ejaz H, Alruwaili M, Alruwaili Y, Mazhari BBZ, et al. (2025). Advancing the understanding of Naegleria fowleri: Global .... Journal of infection and public health, 39913985.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39913985/
Brook I. (2002). Bacterial contamination of saline nasal spray/drop solution .... American journal of infection control, 12032501.
Q.
Is brain-eating amoeba contagious?
A.
The brain-eating amoeba, known as Naegleria fowleri, is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.
References:
Ong TY, Khan NA, & Siddiqui R. (2017). Predilection Sites in the Brain and Disease Outcome - PMC. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 5483900.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5483900/
Archibald LK, & Quisling RG. (2013). Central Nervous System Infections - PMC. Textbook of Neurointensive Care, 7122753.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7122753/
Mohd Hussain RH, Abdul Ghani MK, Khan NA, Siddiqui R, Aazmi S, Halim H, & Anuar TS. (2022). In Vitro Cytopathogenic Activities of Acanthamoeba T3 and .... Pathogens, 9782662.
Q.
Is brain-eating amoeba fatal?
A.
Yes, the brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, is often fatal when it causes an infection.
References:
Jahangeer M, Mahmood Z, Munir N, Waraich UE, Tahir IM, Akram M, et al. (2020). Naegleria fowleri: Sources of infection, pathophysiology, .... Clinical and experimental pharmacology & physiology, 31612525.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31612525/
Güémez A, & García E. (2021). Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis by Naegleria fowleri. Biomolecules, 34572533.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34572533/
Baig AM. (2016). Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis: Neurochemotaxis .... ACS chemical neuroscience, 27447543.
Q.
Is it safe to swim in warm freshwater lakes?
A.
Swimming in warm freshwater lakes can be risky due to the presence of harmful amoebas that can cause serious illness.
References:
Yasir M, & Herekar FF. (2024). Unexpected trends of amoebic encephalitis in Pakistan. Tropical doctor, 38130144.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38130144/
Köseoğlu AE, Özgül F, Işıksal EN, Şeflekçi Y, Tülümen D, Özgültekin B, et al. (2024). In silico discovery of diagnostic/vaccine candidate .... Gene, 38253295.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38253295/
Cope JR, Murphy J, Kahler A, Gorbett DG, Ali I, Taylor B, et al. (2018). Case Report and Environmental Investigation. Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 29401275.
Q.
What are the early signs of brain-eating amoeba?
A.
The early signs of a brain-eating amoeba infection include headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms can start within a few days of infection.
References:
Ahmad Zamzuri M'I, Abd Majid FN, Mihat M, Ibrahim SS, Ismail M, Abd Aziz S, et al. (2023). Systematic Review of Brain-Eating Amoeba: A Decade .... International journal of environmental research and public health, 36833715.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36833715/
Borkens Y. (2024). The Pathology of the Brain Eating Amoeba Naegleria fowleri. Indian journal of microbiology, 39282207.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39282207/
Sugita Y, Fujii T, Hayashi I, Aoki T, Yokoyama T, Morimatsu M, et al. (1999). Primary amebic meningoencephalitis due to Naegleria .... Pathology international, 10417693.
Q.
What are the specific symptoms of PAM infection?
A.
Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and stiff neck, often progressing to confusion and seizures.
References:
Hoseininia S, Salimi M, Salmani A, Jannati R, & Negaresh M. (2024). Alveolar Microlithiasis with Mild Clinical Symptoms But .... Clinical medicine insights. Case reports, 38450045.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38450045
Chen M, Ruan W, Zhang L, Hu B, & Yang X. (2019). Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis: A Case Report. The Korean journal of parasitology, 31284352.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31284352/
Jindal A, Rahulan V, Balasubramani G, Dutta P, & Attawar S. (2019). A rare disease treated with lung transplantation, first case .... Lung India : official organ of Indian Chest Society, 31670305.
Q.
What are the symptoms of brain-eating amoeba infection?
A.
Brain-eating amoeba infection can cause symptoms like headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and confusion. It progresses quickly and is very serious.
References:
Ahmad Zamzuri M'I, Abd Majid FN, Mihat M, Ibrahim SS, Ismail M, Abd Aziz S, et al. (2023). Systematic Review of Brain-Eating Amoeba: A Decade .... International journal of environmental research and public health, 36833715.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36833715/
Sugita Y, Fujii T, Hayashi I, Aoki T, Yokoyama T, Morimatsu M, et al. (1999). Primary amebic meningoencephalitis due to Naegleria .... Pathology international, 10417693.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10417693/
López-Corella E, De León B, & de Jonckheere JF. (1989). [Primary amebic meningoencephalitis caused by Naegleria .... Boletin medico del Hospital Infantil de Mexico, 2604877.
Q.
What happens if water goes up your nose while swimming?
A.
If water goes up your nose while swimming, it can sometimes be risky due to germs like Naegleria fowleri, which can cause serious illness. However, such infections are rare, and most of the time, water in the nose is harmless.
References:
Jahangeer M, Mahmood Z, Munir N, Waraich UE, Tahir IM, Akram M, et al. (2020). Naegleria fowleri: Sources of infection, pathophysiology, .... Clinical and experimental pharmacology & physiology, 31612525.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31612525/
Cope JR, Murphy J, Kahler A, Gorbett DG, Ali I, Taylor B, et al. (2018). Case Report and Environmental Investigation. Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 29401275.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29401275/
Brook I. (2002). Bacterial contamination of saline nasal spray/drop solution .... American journal of infection control, 12032501.
Q.
What is Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)?
A.
Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare and severe brain infection caused by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri, usually found in warm freshwater. It often leads to rapid and severe brain inflammation, and unfortunately, it is usually fatal.
References:
Hall AD, Kumar JE, Golba CE, Luckett KM, & Bryant WK. (2024). a review of Naegleria fowleri and analysis of successfully .... Parasitology research, 38182931.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38182931/
Hannisch W, & Hallagan LF. (1997). Primary amebic meningoencephalitis: a review of the .... Wilderness & environmental medicine, 11990164.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11990164/
Cope JR, & Ali IK. (2016). Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis: What Have We .... Current infectious disease reports, 27614893.
Q.
What is the brain-eating amoeba?
A.
The brain-eating amoeba, known as Naegleria fowleri, is a tiny organism found in warm freshwater that can cause a serious brain infection.
References:
Jahangeer M, Mahmood Z, Munir N, Waraich UE, Tahir IM, Akram M, et al. (2020). Naegleria fowleri: Sources of infection, pathophysiology, .... Clinical and experimental pharmacology & physiology, 31612525.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31612525/
Alanazi A, Younas S, Ejaz H, Alruwaili M, Alruwaili Y, Mazhari BBZ, et al. (2025). Advancing the understanding of Naegleria fowleri: Global .... Journal of infection and public health, 39913985.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39913985/
Güémez A, & García E. (2021). Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis by Naegleria fowleri. Biomolecules, 34572533.
Q.
What kind of water does Naegleria fowleri thrive in?
A.
Naegleria fowleri thrives in warm freshwater like lakes and hot springs, especially during hot weather.
References:
Cope JR, Ratard RC, Hill VR, Sokol T, Causey JJ, Yoder JS, et al. (2015). The first association of a primary amebic .... Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 25595746.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25595746/
Stahl LM, & Olson JB. (2023). Investigating the interactive effects of temperature, pH, and .... The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology, 36709487.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36709487/
Heggie TW. (2010). Naegleria fowleri infections in recreational waters. Travel medicine and infectious disease, 20970721.
Q.
Where is Naegleria fowleri commonly found?
A.
Naegleria fowleri is commonly found in warm freshwater, such as lakes and hot springs, where it can cause infections if it enters the nose.
References:
Heggie TW, & Küpper T. (2017). Surviving Naegleria fowleri infections: A successful case .... Travel medicine and infectious disease, 28013053.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28013053/
Aurongzeb M, Fatima SZ, Hussain SI, Rashid Y, Aziz T, Alhomrani M, et al. (2025). Detection and identification of Naegleria species along .... BMC medical genomics, 39780139.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39780139/
Heggie TW. (2010). Naegleria fowleri infections in recreational waters. Travel medicine and infectious disease, 20970721.
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https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Putz K, Hayani K, Zar FA. Meningitis. Prim Care. 2013 Sep;40(3):707-26. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2013.06.001. Epub 2013 Jul 25. PMID: 23958365.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0095454313000638?via%3DihubRoos KL. Acute bacterial meningitis. Semin Neurol. 2000;20(3):293-306. doi: 10.1055/s-2000-9393. PMID: 11051294.
https://www.thieme-connect.de/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-2000-9393Helbok R, Broessner G, Pfausler B, Schmutzhard E. Chronic meningitis. J Neurol. 2009 Feb;256(2):168-75. doi: 10.1007/s00415-009-0122-0. Epub 2009 Feb 17. PMID: 19224317.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00415-009-0122-0Aparicio A, Chamberlain MC. Neoplastic meningitis. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2002 May;2(3):225-35. doi: 10.1007/s11910-002-0081-7. PMID: 11937001.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11910-002-0081-7