Meningitis Overview |
| The human body has membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis is the inflammation of these
membranes, also known as meninges. A few elements can cause this inflammation: bacteria, viruses, other
microorganisms, and certain drugs. Meningitis is considered to be a medical emergency because the inflammation is
close to the spine and brain and, if not treated quickly, can lead to serious problems such as epilepsy, deafness,
hydrocephalus and learning disabilities.
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Symptoms of Meningitis |
| Headaches and neck stiffness are considered the main symptoms of meningitis, particularly when accompanied with
vomiting, fever, confusion, and intolerance of light or loud noises. In younger children, only vague symptoms may
occur, such as fatigue, irritability, and a rash. |
Causes of Meningitis |
| Viral infection is the most common cause of meningitis, followed by bacterial infection, fungi, and parasites.
Meningitis may also result from various non-infectious causes. |
Bacterial MeningitisDifferent bacteria cause bacterial meningitis
in different age groups. Group B streptococci, listeria monocytogenes,
and digestive-tract bacteria can be a cause among newborns up to three months old. Neisseria meningitidis
(meningococcus), Streptococcus pneumonia, and Haemophilus influenza type B
may affect older children. In adults, eighty percent of all meningitis cases are caused by N. meningitidis and S. pneumonia.
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Aseptic MeningitisThis is an umbrella term applied to cases of meningitis where no bacterial infection
can be found. This is usually due to viruses, but it may be due to bacterial infection that has already left the
meninges or by infection near the meninges. People with AIDS or compromised immune systems may be at risk for
fungal meningitis. Amoebic meningitis, which is caused by infection with amoebae, is contracted from freshwater
sources. |
Viral MeningitisViruses that can cause meningitis include enteroviruses, herpes simplex virus, varicella
zoster virus (known more commonly as the chickenpox and shingles virus), mumps virus, HIV, and LCMV. |
Non-infectious MeningitisSeveral non-infectious factors may cause meningitis. Malignant meningitis is
cause by the spread of cancer to the meninges. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and intravenous
immunoglobulins may also cause meningitis. Several inflammatory conditions such as sarcoidosis, systemic lupus
erythematosus, and certain forms of vasculitis can cause meningitis. In some limited cases, migraine headaches may
cause meningitis, but this cause is identified only in the absence of any other explanation. |
Diagnosis and Treatment of Meningitis
Doctors regularly diagnose meningitis via spinal taps, also known as lumbar puncture (LP). The routine treatment
for meningitis is the immediate administration of antibiotics and antiviral drugs, even before test results are
complete. |
| Immunization may prevent some types of meningitis, such as those associated with virus infections. |
| More information: |
| University of Maryland Medical Center's Meningitis Overview |
| FAQs about Meningitis at the CDC |
