What Are the Treatments for Meningitis Headaches?

Meningitis can be a devastating disease, as the infection progresses rapidly. Treatment depends on if the patient has bacterial or viral meningitis, as headaches are a symptom of the infection. Unfortunately, there isn't a vaccine for viral meningitis, but bacterial meningitis can be cured with antibiotics.

Types of Meningitis

• Meningitis occurs in two different forms, viral and bacterial meningitis. Headache is a symptom of both types of infections.

Bacterial Meningitis Treatment

• Bacterial meningitis treatments include an immediate, intravenous supply of antibiotics to kill the bacteria. Depending on the specific bacteria causing the infection, the doctor may place you on a combination of different antibiotics to destroy the infection and cure the headache.

Viral Meningitis Treatment

• Viral meningitis cannot be cured with antibiotics. The only way to relieve headache symptoms is to take over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin, depending on what your family uses for headaches. Bed rest, plenty of fluids and time will take care of the infection.

Identification

• Meningitis is simply an infection of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. The infection causes swelling, which leads to the headache.

Warning

• Bacterial meningitis, if not promptly treated, can cause brain damage, hearing loss, blindness, paralysis, behavior problems, learning disabilities, shock and death.