Symptoms Of Amoebic Meningoencephalitis

Neck Pain And Stiffness

Neck pain and stiffness is the second symptom to onset after exposure. As the amoeba burrows further into the brain, the immune system engages in a coordinated attack on the invading bacteria. The release of antibodies to the source of the infection causes swelling and inflammation, resulting in pain and stiffness in the neck, as the surrounding brain and spinal tissue swell beyond their cranial capacity. Outside of causing considerable pain, this inflammation makes it very difficult for an individual to utilize the muscles required to turn and bend the neck. Neck stiffness and pain may be accompanied by other primary symptoms such as a severe headache, nausea, and vomiting.

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Nausea And Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are considered a primary symptom with onset very soon after exposure to the amoeba. As the immune system continues to fight and alleviate the damage caused by the bacteria, antibodies are released as an attempt to destroy the infection. These antibodies, while typically helpful in other areas of the body, cause increased inflammation to the brain and spinal cord, which can be fatal as the brain presses against the cranium and begins causing damage to healthy tissue. Nausea and vomiting co-occur with a severe headache and pain and stiffness in the neck as the brain begins to be deprived of oxygen as essential veins are compressed due to swelling.

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