Meningitis

Meningitis is a life-threatening medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the fluid and membranes (meninges) that surround the brain and spine. These membranes play a crucial role in protecting the central nervous system.

Meningitis is a medical emergency and potentially fatal within 24 hours. Call 911 immediately if you believe you or someone you know has symptoms of meningitis.

Types of meningitis

Meningitis comes in different forms, categorized by what is causing the inflammation. Understanding the cause of your inflammation is crucial in getting an accurate diagnosis and the appropriate treatment.

Inflammation develops due to various factors, including bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. This Inflammation triggers a cascade of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, and can lead to potentially life-threatening complications if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

The main types of meningitis include:

• Bacterial meningitis: This is the most serious type of meningitis and can be life-threatening. It is caused by bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis, which causes meningococcal disease. Getting the pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine or meningitis vaccine can reduce your risk of getting bacterial meningitis.
• Viral meningitis: This is the most common type of meningitis and is usually less severe than bacterial meningitis. It’s caused by viruses, such as polio, hepatitis A and mumps.
• Fungal meningitis: This is a rare type of meningitis usually caused by inhaling fungal spores.
• Parasitic meningitis: This is a rare type caused by parasites.

The best way to prevent meningitis is to get vaccinated, practice good hygiene such as washing your hands frequently and avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Symptoms of meningitis

Recognizing the symptoms of meningitis is crucial for prompt medical attention and effective treatment.

Meningitis symptoms may vary depending on the type of meningitis, but common signs of meningitis include:

• Sudden high fever
• Stiff neck
• Severe headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Confusion or trouble concentrating
• Seizures
• Sleepiness or trouble waking
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Sensitivity to sound (phonophobia)
• Cold hands and feet
• Skin rash in some cases, such as in bacterial meningitis
• Joint pain

Bacterial meningitis symptoms come on suddenly and may progress rapidly.

Viral infections are the most common cause of meningitis. Viral meningitis symptoms develop more gradually and may not be noticeable right away.

How do you get meningitis?

Several factors can increase the risk of developing meningitis, including age, medical history or not being vaccinated.

It's important to be aware of your risk factors, as they can help your doctor identify if you are more at risk for developing meningitis.

Key risk factors for meningitis include:

• Age
• Weakened immune system
• Living in close quarters, such as college dorms or military barracks
• Chronic medical conditions such as cochlear implants or abnormalities in the skull or spine
• Travel to high-risk areas
• Not being vaccinated
• Pregnancy

Complications of meningitis

Meningitis, if not promptly diagnosed and treated, can lead to various complications that may have serious and long-term effects on your health, including death.

The potential complications of meningitis include:

• Brain damage
• Hearing loss
• Vision problems, including blindness
• Seizures
• Developmental delays in infants
• Trouble with motor function, including balance and coordination
• Kidney failure
• Hormone imbalances
• Sepsis (blood infection)
• Anxiety and depression
• Blood clots in the limbs, which could require amputation

If you have had meningitis, watch for potential complications and alert your provider to address them promptly.

Diagnosing meningitis

Your Advocate Health Care neuro specialist will perform a physical exam and review your symptoms and medical history. They may look for signs of infection in your ears, throat and on your skin. They may also ask about recent illness or travel.

If your provider suspects you have meningitis, they may order diagnostic tests such as blood tests, digital imaging tests (CT scan or MRI) or a lumbar puncture (spinal tap).

Early diagnosis is critical for effective treatment, especially in cases of bacterial meningitis, which can progress rapidly.

Meningitis treatments

The treatment of meningitis depends on the specific cause (bacterial, viral, or fungal) and severity of the infection. Prompt medical intervention is crucial to prevent complications and improve outcomes.

Bacterial meningitis requires immediate treatment with antibiotics. The choice of antibiotics depends on the specific bacteria causing the infection. Hospitalization may be necessary for severe cases of bacterial meningitis for close monitoring and intravenous (IV) administration of antibiotics.

Antibiotics won’t treat viral meningitis. While most cases of viral meningitis resolve on their own, antiviral medications may be prescribed for certain viral causes, like herpes simplex virus.

Your doctor may also recommend over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help reduce pain. In some cases, corticosteroids may be prescribed to help reduce inflammation.

Taking prevention measures can reduce your risk of getting meningitis. Preventive measures include vaccinations, practicing good hygiene and wearing a mask in environments such as crowded events or close living quarters.