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Definition Return to top
Meningitis is a bacterial or non-bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
Causes Return to top
The most common causes of meningitis are viral infections that usually get better without treatment. However, bacterial meningitis infections are extremely serious, and may result in death or brain damage even if treated.
Meningitis is also caused by:
Types include:
Acute bacterial meningitis is a true medical emergency, and requires immediate treatment in a hospital.
Viral meningitis is milder and occurs more often than bacterial meningitis. It usually develops in the late summer and early fall, and often affects children and adults under age 30. Most infections occur in children under the age of 5. Most viral meningitis is associated with enteroviruses, which are viruses that commonly cause intestinal illness.
Many other types of viruses can also cause meningitis. For example, viral meningitis can be caused by herpes viruses, the same virus that can cause cold sores and genital herpes (although people with recurrent cold sores or genital herpes are not at a greater risk of developing herpes meningitis).
Recently, West Nile virus, spread by mosquito bites, has become a cause of viral meningitis in most of the United States. In addition to causing viral meningitis, West Nile virus may cause encephalitis in some patients and a polio-like syndrome in others.
Symptoms Return to top
Other symptoms that can occur with this disease:
Meningitis is an important cause of fever in newborn children.
Exams and Tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
Doctors prescribe antibiotics for bacterial meningitis; the type will vary depending on the infecting organism. Antibiotics are not effective in viral meningitis.
Treatment of secondary symptoms including brain swelling, shock, and seizures will require other medications and intravenous fluids. Some people may need to stay in the hospital, depending on the severity of the illness and the treatment needed.
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
Early diagnosis and treatment of bacterial meningitis is essential to prevent permanent neurological damage. Viral meningitis is usually not serious, and symptoms should disappear within 2 weeks with no lasting complications.
Possible Complications Return to top
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
If you feel that you or your child has symptoms of meningitis, get emergency medical help immediately. Early treatment is key to a good outcome.
Prevention Return to top
The meningococcal vaccination is recommended for:
Some communities conduct vaccination campaigns following an outbreak of meningococcal meningitis.
Update Date: 11/12/2007 Updated by: Arnold L. Lentnek, M.D., Division of Infectious Disease, Kennestone Hospital, Marietta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 09 September 2008 |