How do you get meningitis from leukemia?

Leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells. Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Leukemia can cause meningitis in two ways:

* Direct invasion of the meninges by leukemia cells. This is the most common way that leukemia causes meningitis. Leukemia cells can travel from the bone marrow to the central nervous system through the blood or cerebrospinal fluid. Once in the central nervous system, leukemia cells can multiply and cause inflammation of the meninges.

* Increased intracranial pressure. Leukemia can also cause meningitis by increasing the pressure inside the skull. This can happen when leukemia cells block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid or when leukemia causes bleeding in the brain. Increased intracranial pressure can lead to inflammation of the meninges.

Meningitis caused by leukemia can be a serious condition. Symptoms can include headache, fever, stiff neck, nausea, and vomiting. If you have leukemia and you develop any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor right away.