It began with a serious headache. Then, while vacationing in Bali, Khiana Smith said she developed a sensitivity to light.
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"I couldn't even get out of bed," the 23-year-old fitness influencer said in a recent TikTok post. "It was so intense I couldn't even open my eyes properly... I couldn't stand up without falling over."
This Fitness Influencer's Vacation Took a Harrowing Turn
As the New York Post reports, Smith thought she would feel better after some rest. But when she awoke, she felt "10 times worse." An ambulance then took her to a nearby hospital.
Board-certified emergency room physician Dr. Alfred Joshua told reporters that the fitness influencer's symptoms, which included difficulty walking and slurred speech, should be taken seriously. They are signs of meningitis.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, meningitis causes the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord to swell. Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can be the source of the life-threatening condition. Other signs of meningitis include fever, nausea, and an altered mental state.
What Is the Treatment for Meningitis?
Joshua says that viral meningitis often resolves on its own. However, bacterial meningitis can move fast. If not treated promptly with antibiotics, it can cause the person to "get really, really sick."
"When symptoms are progressing in a more complicated manner with neurological dysfunction, do not wait and try to see this out," he said. "Go and seek prompt emergency treatment."
Doctors didn't know if Smith was suffering from bacterial or viral meningitis. As a precaution, she was treated for the bacterial form of the disease. Her condition improved enough for her to leave the ICU, but her symptoms returned, preventing the fitness influencer from flying home.
Joshua also shared that recommended vaccines can protect against some forms of bacterial meningitis. He also advises considering insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage.
Smith's mother said her daughter's medical expenses were covered because she had purchased an insurance policy before leaving Australia.
A post by Smith yesterday showed that she is on the mend and could be cleared to fly home soon.
