Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis history and symptoms
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Hardik Patel, M.D.
Overview
Overview
Patients with primary amoebic meningoencephalitis may have a history of swimming, diving, jumping, bathing, or playing in warm, generally stagnant, fresh water or irrigating sinuses (nose) using contaminated tap water during the previous few days to 2 weeks. Symptoms start 1-7 days (median 5 days) after swimming exposure and usually include high fever, headache, nuchal rigidity, photophobia, nausea, and vomiting.
History
History
Patients with primary amoebic meningoencephalitis may have a history of swimming, diving, jumping, bathing, or playing in warm, generally stagnant, fresh water or irrigating sinuses (nose) using contaminated tap water during the previous few days to 2 weeks.
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms start 1-7 days (median 5 days) after swimming exposure, and include:
- Abnormalities of taste and smell
- High fever
- Cephalgia (headache)
- Nuchal rigidity
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Photophobia
- Confusion
- Somnolence
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Loss of consciousness
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