Meningitis

Meningitis is a serious infection of the fluid that is around the spinal cord and brain. Sometimes it may be called spinal meningitis. The clear fluid, called cerebrospinal fluid, is around the spinal cord and brain to act as a shock absorber.

Most cases of meningitis are caused by a virus or a bacteria. Viral meningitis also called aseptic meningitis is usually not a very serious disease. Bacterial meningitis is a much more serious disease. If not treated early, it can cause hearing loss, learning disability, or brain damage.

For anyone over 2 years of age, the most common symptoms of meningitis are high fever, headache, and stiff neck. These symptoms can develop in several hours, or may take 1 to 2 days to develop. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, confusion, sleepiness, and lights may bother the eyes. Children under 2 years of age often have different symptoms. It may be difficult to tell if they have the classic symptoms that an adult has. Children under 2 years may have vomiting, not eat well, be irritable, be inactive, or have a fever. As meningitis gets worse, anyone can have a seizure.

Anyone with these symptoms should see a healthcare provider immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment is very important. Diagnosing meningitis requires tests. A procedure called a spinal tap is performed during which fluid is drawn from the spinal column with a needle and then tested. A CT scan of the brain may be done to make sure there is no other brain disorder, like a tumor or bleeding. Blood tests will determine if there is an infection.

Bacterial meningitis is a very serious illness and requires hospitalization so that the person can be closely watched and receive treatment. Bacterial meningitis can be treated with antibiotics. The antibiotics need to be started early in the illness to prevent the serious side effects. Antibiotics help reduce the risk of dying from meningitis, especially in the elderly, and are usually given in the vein along with extra fluids. Viral meningitis is not as severe and cannot be treated with antibiotics. However, people with viral meningitis still need to be treated with extra fluids and rest.

Some forms of bacterial meningitis can be spread from person to person. Bacteria spread by close contact with respiratory and throat secretions, for example, coughing or kissing. None of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as the common cold or flu. They are not spread by casual contact or simply by breathing the same air as the person with meningitis. People who have had close, direct, or prolonged contact with a person who has meningitis should notify their healthcare provider as soon as possible. Close contact would be living in the same house, going to the same day care center, or having close personal contact, such as with a boyfriend or girlfriend.

Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis and has no specific treatment. Usually, the symptoms last 7 to 10 days and people recover completely without any treatment other than drinking extra fluids and rest. The viruses that cause viral meningitis are also passed from person to person. Viral meningitis is common in the summer and early fall. Many people may be exposed to the virus, but either have no symptoms or very mild symptoms like a cold or a rash with a low-grade fever. Someone exposed to viral meningitis may have a moderate chance of having an infection, but a very small chance of getting meningitis.

College freshman, especially those living in dormitories are at a higher risk of getting meningitis. They should consider immunization. There is a vaccine for Streptococcus pneumoniae, also called pneumococcal meningitis, which can prevent meningitis and other infections with this organism. The vaccine is recommended for anyone over 65 years of age and anyone over 2 years of age with other medical problems. Another vaccine protects against Haemophilus influenzae type B (HiB), a cause of bacterial meningitis in children. Every infant should receive 3 doses of Hib vaccine before 6 months of age, with a fourth booster shot given between the ages of 12 and 18 months.

Close contacts of people with meningitis caused by the Neisseria meningitides organism can be given antibiotics to help prevent them from getting the illness. Frequent hand washing is another way to prevent meningitis. This is especially important for viral meningitis.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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