It's also important to talk to your doctor if a family member or someone you live or work with has meningitis. You may need to take medications to prevent getting the infection.
Meningitis is an infection and inflammation of the fluid and three membranes meninges protecting your brain and spinal cord. The tough outer membrane is called the dura mater, and the delicate inner layer is the pia mater.
The middle layer is the arachnoid, a weblike structure containing the fluid and blood vessels covering the surface of the brain. Viral infections are the most common cause of meningitis, followed by bacterial infections and, rarely, fungal and parasitic infections.
Because bacterial infections can be life-threatening, identifying the cause is essential. Bacteria that enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain and spinal cord cause acute bacterial meningitis. But it can also occur when bacteria directly invade the meninges. This may be caused by an ear or sinus infection, a skull fracture, or — rarely — some surgeries. Viral meningitis is usually mild and often clears on its own.
Most cases in the United States are caused by a group of viruses known as enteroviruses, which are most common in late summer and early fall. Viruses such as herpes simplex virus, HIV , mumps virus, West Nile virus and others also can cause viral meningitis. Slow-growing organisms such as fungi and Mycobacterium tuberculosis that invade the membranes and fluid surrounding your brain cause chronic meningitis. Chronic meningitis develops over two weeks or more. The signs and symptoms of chronic meningitis — headache, fever, vomiting and mental cloudiness — are similar to those of acute meningitis.
Fungal meningitis is relatively uncommon in the United States. It may mimic acute bacterial meningitis. It's often contracted by breathing in fungal spores that may be found in soil, decaying wood and bird droppings.
Fungal meningitis isn't contagious from person to person. Cryptococcal meningitis is a common fungal form of the disease that affects people with immune deficiencies, such as AIDS.
It's life-threatening if not treated with an antifungal medication. Even with treatment, fungal meningitis may recur. Parasites can cause a rare type of meningitis called eosinophilic meningitis. Parasitic meningitis can also be caused by a tapeworm infection in the brain cysticercosis or cerebral malaria. Parents of babies and toddlers under the age of 2 should closely monitor any lingering irritability or lack of interest in eating, as these can also be symptoms of meningitis.
Symptoms can begin quickly, sometimes in just a couple hours, or they can progress over a day or two. Seek immediate medical attention if you show symptoms of bacterial meningitis. Your doctor will treat the condition as soon as possible, most likely with antibiotics. Bacteria that cause meningitis can live in your body and the environment around you. In many cases they are harmless. Bacterial meningitis occurs when these bacteria get in your bloodstream and travel to your brain and spinal cord to start an infection.
Most bacteria that cause this form of infection are spread through close personal contact, such as:. When that person coughs or sneezes the bacteria travel through the air. In fact, the bacteria that cause meningitis are less contagious than viruses that cause the cold or flu. Not all bacteria that cause meningitis are spread from one person to another.
You can also develop bacterial meningitis after eating certain foods containing the Listeria bacterium, such as:. Meningitis-causing bacteria are more likely to attack the membranes of your brain after a trauma such as:.
Additionally, babies and people with weak immune systems are more likely to develop bacterial meningitis. Some types of bacterial meningitis can be prevented through immunizations.
To diagnose this condition, a healthcare provider will do a spinal tap also called a lumbar puncture to take a sample of fluid from around the spinal cord. The fluid is then tested for bacteria. The healthcare provider will also ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam.
Prompt treatment of bacterial meningitis is crucial. It can save your life. Once the type of bacteria has been identified, you'll start taking antibiotics. Antibiotics are given through a needle placed into a vein usually in the arm or hand. They may also be given along with a corticosteroid to help reduce inflammation and swelling. Treatment also includes plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. However, even with prompt treatment, some may battle seizures, brain damage, hearing loss, and disability for the rest of their lives.
Meningitis can be fatal and some people with this infection will die. Vaccines are available to help prevent bacterial meningitis.
Children now routinely get a meningitis vaccine around ages 11 to A booster shot is given at age Ask your healthcare provider if you or your children should be vaccinated.
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord meninges. It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning septicaemia and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
A number of vaccinations are available that offer some protection against meningitis. These symptoms can appear in any order.
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