Meningitis

Meningitis is an infection of the membranes and fluid that surround the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Viral meningitis tends to be less severe than bacterial, fungal and parasitic types, although some viruses are particularly bad. With early diagnosis and prompt treatment, most people recover from bacterial meningitis. The disease is fatal in about 10 percent of cases, however.  Fungal and parasitic meningitis are difficult to treat. 

Causes

Meningitis can be caused by many different pathogenic agents. It's important to know the cause, because the severity of illness and treatment differ. Seventy percent of meningitis cases occur in children under age 5. Young people between the ages of 15 and 24 and older adults may also have an increased risk.

Viral meningitis can be caused by many different viruses, including common intestinal viruses and viruses associated with mumps and herpes infection. In some cases, people can get viral meningitis from drinking polluted water.

The viruses that cause meningitis are contagious, but most people who become infected don't actually develop meningitis. Viral meningitis is usually mild and often clears up within one to two weeks.

Bacterial meningitis is a serious and frequently fatal illness. Even treated early, it can result in brain damage, hearing loss or learning disabilities. Some forms of bacterial meningitis such as meningococcal meningitis are highly contagious. The bacteria are spread though coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing items such as eating utensils or toothbrushes with an infected person. Bacteria commonly identified as causing meningitis are Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenza, group B streptococcus (in newborns) and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Other less common bacteria include tuberculosis, Listeria, Staphlococcus and Salmonella. 

Fungal and parasitic meningitis are relatively uncommon. Fungal meningitis is more common in people with a weakened immune system. 

Symptoms

The symptoms of meningitis may be common to other illnesses, including the flu; this can sometimes make an early diagnosis difficult. Symptoms of meningitis usually come on suddenly. Common symptoms include:

• Fever

• Severe headache

• Stiff neck

• Drowsiness or confusion

• Nausea and vomiting

• Sensitivity to light

Babies with meningitis may seem unusually irritable or sleepy, or may refuse to eat.

Early diagnosis and treatment are very important. Your doctor can diagnose meningitis with a thorough examination and laboratory studies. One of the most important studies is a spinal tap, in which he or she inserts a needle into your lower back to remove spinal fluid. The fluid can then be tested for bacteria or viruses.

Treatment

Viral meningitis usually doesn't require treatment, although certain types of viral meningitis such as herpes meningitis (HSV1) must be treated with antiviral agents to prevent complications or even death. Doctors often recommend bed rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications to relieve fever and headache. Most people completely recover on their own.

Bacterial meningitis needs to be treated immediately to prevent serious complications and death. A number of antibiotics can be used to treat bacterial meningitis, depending on the organism causing the infection. Other medications may also be used to treat symptoms and prevent permanent damage from the disease.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of getting meningitis by washing your hands often to prevent the spread of viruses or bacteria. Maintain a healthy immune system by eating well, exercising and getting plenty of rest.

A number of vaccines are available to protect against the different types of meningitis. In children, these vaccines include Haemophilus influenza (Hib vaccine), pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) and meningococcal vaccine. Adult vaccines that help protect against meningitis include pneumococcal vaccine and meningococcal vaccine. If your child hasn't been vaccinated, talk to your doctor. Vaccines are also recommended for college students who live in dormitories and for people traveling to countries where meningitis is common.