Spinal meningitis is swelling around the brain and spinal cord. The cause of this swelling is typically a viral, bacterial or fungal infection. The infection itself can cause some symptoms, but it is the pressure on the brain and spinal cord that cause many of the symptoms and make the infection potentially lethal. Some meningitis will pass on its own. However, meningitis, particularly bacterial meningitis, can cause permanent brain damage or death. It is important to have a doctor determine the cause of the meningitis and oversee treatment. Meningitis can cause flu-like symptoms. These initial symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, stiff neck and loss of appetite. The above symptoms that should prompt a visit to the doctor are stiff neck, high fever and extreme headaches. Vomiting should also prompt a visit to the doctor if it is persistent and resulting in lack of nutrition and hydration. Because spinal meningitis affects the brain as well as the spine, it can produce neurological symptoms. These include difficulty concentrating, light sensitivity, trouble waking from sleep and seizures. If a person cannot concentrate, it is usually a sign of illness. A doctor should be seen to determine if the cause is meningitis or another serious illness. Seizures should always prompt a visit to the doctor, particularly if there is no history of seizures or no underlying seizure condition, such as epilepsy. More general symptoms of spinal meningitis include rash, irritability and sensitivity to loud noises. The rash may be extreme, causing red or purple spots that can group together and cause large areas of red or purple skin. This is a petechial rash, which will not reduce in color when pressed with a finger like many other rashes. People of any age can contract spinal meningitis, even infants. Small children are unable to convey pain except to cry. Incessant crying in small children can be a symptom of meningitis. Only a doctor can diagnose spinal meningitis so it is of the utmost importance that medical help be sought in cases where spinal meningitis is suspected.