How to Treat Meningitis

Meningitis is a serious illness that demands immediate medical attention. It has many causes, but some are fatal, so do not hesitate bringing in a patient for treatment.

Things You'll Need

• Hospital facilities

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Instructions

Treat Meningitis Caused by a Viral Infection

• 1

  Take the patient to the hospital immediately. Meningitis caused by a viral infection can be mild and harmless, but there is a chance of complications and a home cure should not be attempted until doctors give you permission to take the patient home.

• 2

  Make sure the patient gets plenty bed rest. Recovery from viral meningitis can take 2 weeks or more. Bed rest should be enforced for the entire duration.

• 3

  Give the patient plenty of fluids. The body needs and uses a lot of fluids over the course of an illness and these will need to be replenished hourly. Water, broth and juice are the best choices.

• 4

  Administer over-the-counter pain medication to the patient if there is too much discomfort. Do not go overboard on the dosage and only take this step if it seems necessary.

Treat Meningitis Caused by a Bacterial Infection

• 5

  Take the patient to the emergency room immediately. The patient will probably be ushered to an intensive care unit (ICU) and treatment will begin immediately.

• 6

  Monitor the patient closely. Bacterial meningitis is dangerous because of the high risk of additional symptoms, such as seizures, prolonged fever and loss of hearing or vision. Treat all new complications immediately to avoid permanent damage.

• 7

  Administer corticosteroids to reduce inflammation of the meninges, the protective membrane of the central nervous system.

• 8

  Administer anticonvulsants if the patient is in danger of having seizures. Seizures can cause permanent damage to the brain if not prevented and seizures during treatment endanger the patient's life.

• 9

  Administer the correct antibiotics for the determined bacteria. This will clear out the infection.

• 10

  Keep the patient in the hospital for at least a few days, if not weeks, after the treatment. The doctors will want to make sure there are no complications.