Symptoms of Cryptococcal Meningitis

The fungus which causes cryptococcal meningitis is present in soil and bird droppings around the world. Usually the disease only occurs in people with compromised immune systems. According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, only about five of 1 million people ever develop cryptococcal meningitis.

Range of Symptoms

• People who have cryptococcal meningitis can experience all the symptoms associated with the disease or only a few, from moderate to life-threatening.

Most Common Symptoms

• The most common symptoms of cryptococcal meningitis include fever, headache, loss of appetite and nausea and vomiting. Some people also have fatigue, stiff neck and sensitivity to light.

Serious Symptoms

• More serious symptoms include abnormal mental changes, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hallucinations, numbness, paralysis, seizures and sensory changes.

Intracranial Pressure

• People with cryptococcal meningitis who develop severe headache and nausea may have pressure build-up around the brain, or intracranial pressure.

Treatment

• Treatments include medication along with a stay in the hospital until the infection is under control, and the removal of small amounts of spinal fluid in the case of intracranial pressure.