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Conditions & Treatment of Meningitis

Meningitis is an inflammation of meninges, commonly known as membranes, and the cerebrospinal fluid. Symptoms of meningitis are often mistaken for the flu, and include a stiff neck, nausea, headaches and a high fever. Meningitis can be caused by a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial and fungal, and usually goes away by itself. If your symptoms worsen, contact your physician immediately.

  1. Viral Meningitis

    • You can catch viral meningitis easily during the summer and fall by contracting enteroviruses, measles, mumps or herpes. According to the Centers for Disease Control, enterovirus symptoms include a low-grade fever, a cold, rashes and mouth sores. If the virus progresses it can become viral meningitis. Viral meningitis is serious illness but is not fatal, and usually clears up within seven to 10 days. If you have a compromised immune system, it is important to contact your doctor immediately to receive proper treatment.

    Bacterial Meningitis

    • Bacterial meningitis is a serious illness as it can cause brain damage or death if left untreated. According to the Mayo Clinic, four different strains of bacteria can cause meningitis: streptococcus pneumonaiae (pneumococcus), neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus), haemophilus influenzae (haemophilus) and listeria monocytogenes. Pneumococcus causes pneumonia, ear infections, and sinus infections in children and babies. Listeria can be found in many places in the environment, especially dust and contaminated food. Haemophilus and meningococcus are caused by sinus infections and upper respiratory infections. Symptoms of bacterial meningitis are similar to viral meningitis, and also include sleepiness, seizures, vomiting, nausea, confusion, difficulty concentrating, light sensitivity and loss of appetite.

    Fungal Meningitis

    • Fungal meningitis is a rare case that affects those with a compromised immune system due to HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, uncontrolled diabetes, and also organ transplant receivers taking immunosuppressant drugs. Fungal meningitis causes swelling around the brain and spinal cord, and if left untreated can lead to brain damage, hearing loss, paralysis or death. Symptoms of fungal meningitis include tiredness, a stiff neck, headaches, confusion, blurred vision, fevers and vomiting.

    Treatment

    • Viral meningitis clears up within two weeks, and does not require treatment. Viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics, but if you have a weakened immune system you may be hospitalized in order to be closely monitored. Get plenty of rest, drinks lots of fluids and take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce pain and fever. According to the Mayo Clinic, bacterial meningitis can be treated by receiving intravenous antibiotics. If there is fluid around the brain or membranes, it must be drained in order to prevent future medical complications. According to the Meningitis Foundation of America, treatment for fungal meningitis requires Amphotericin B, an intravenous therapy that kills the fungal infection. As an alternative, Fluconalzone can be prescribed orally to treat the fungal infection, but must the dosage must be high in order to be effective.

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