What Is Meningitis? A Detailed Research-Based Overview
By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Table of Contents
Meningitis is a serious condition. It happens when the protective coverings called meninges, enveloping the brain and spinal cord get inflamed. Usually, various infections like viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic trigger it. However, it can also occur due to autoimmune diseases, certain drugs, or an injury. If left untreated, meningitis can lead to serious health problems and even death.
In this article, we’ll talk about different kinds of meningitis, their signs, how they’re diagnosed, and how to deal with them. Moreover, we’ll discuss the various risk factors, possible complications, how to reduce the chances of getting meningitis, and what to expect for those affected by the condition. It’s very important to understand meningitis so you may spot its symptoms, seek necessary medical help on time, and take steps to keep yourself and your family safe.
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It’s crucial to understand various types of meningitis. Each kind behaves differently and needs a particular kind of care. In this part, we’ll break down the six types of meningitis which are as follows.
Bacterial meningitis is an urgent and life-threatening type of meningitis. It’s caused by different bacteria that invade the meninges and cause inflammation.
Bacteria often causing bacterial meningitis are:
People who are more prone to get bacterial meningitis are:
Viral meningitis is the most common type. It’s caused by viral infections. Generally, it’s less harmful than bacterial meningitis and often resolves on its own.
Viruses often causing this type include:
Viral meningitis often affects:
Fungal meningitis is rare but very serious. It’s caused by fungal infections that reach the meninges. People with poor immunity have a higher risk of getting this type.
Fungi that may cause fungal meningitis include:
People vulnerable to fungal meningitis arethose with weak immune systems because of AIDS, cancer, or strong medicines
This type is not common. Parasites infect the meninges causing inflammation.
Parasites often causing this meningitis include:
Those at high risk include:
Non-infectious meningitis involves the inflammation of the meninges. Unlike other kinds, infectious agents are not the cause behind them.
Potential causes of this type are:
Risk factors differ based on the specific cause. They may include:
Chronic meningitis lasts for a long time. It can persist for weeks or months.
Causes include:
People at risk comprise of:
The information below summarizes the various types of meningitis, their causes, and those who are at risk of getting the infection.
| Type | Causes | High-Risk Groups |
| Bacterial | Bacteria like Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, etc. | Babies, college students, soldiers, those with weak immunity |
| Viral | Viruses like non-polio enteroviruses, herpesviruses, etc. | Small kids, people with weak immune systems |
| Fungal | Fungi like ryptococcus, istoplasma, etc. | People with weak immune systems |
| Parasitic | Parasites from food or nature like Angiostrongylus cantonensis, etc. | People eating contaminated foods, exposed to dirty ground |
| Non-infectious | Autoimmune conditions, cancer, drugs, contact with chemicals, head harm, brain operation | People with a history of some cancers, autoimmune disorders, taking certain drugs, or exposure to certain chemicals. |
| Chronic | Slow-growing microbes, TB, autoimmune conditions, sarcoidosis | Those with weak immunity, TB, autoimmune problems |
Seizure is a common and unwelcomed outcome of bacterial meningitis. Most seizures begin on the first or second day, and most stop within two days, often seen at the extremes of life.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
Symptoms may vary based on age, infants, children, and adults.
Signs in babies are as follows.
Common signs in adults are as follows.
If you or a friend have any of the above signs, you must get medical help right away. Early diagnosis and care are key to lowering the complications linked to meningitis.
A rash coming from meningococcal meningitis often signals a more serious illness. Press hard but clear glass on the rash. If the spots don’t disappear, seek immediate medical help, as this may point to serious blood poisoning i.e., overwhelming meningococcal infection in the blood.
The first symptoms of meningitis are usually fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell. Limb pain, pale skin, and cold hands and feet often appear earlier than the rash, neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights and confusion.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
The risk factors for getting meningitis are as follows.
Babies and small kids have a higher risk for viral and bacterial meningitis. As for teenagers and young adults, they’re more likely to get meningococcal meningitis.
People with weak immunity due to HIV/AIDS, cancer, or autoimmune conditions, or on medications like chemotherapy, have a higher chance of suffering from meningitis.
Living in crowded places such as college dorms, military bases, or long-term care facilities heightens the chance of developipng certain types of meningitis. That’s especially true for meningococcal meningitis.
Pregnant women have an increased risk for listeriosis. It’s a bacterial infection that can lead to meningitis.
Farm workers and others working with animals face a higher risk of exposure to Listeria bacteria.
To assess if it’s meningitis, healthcare professionals use physical exams, lab tests, and imaging tests.
The first step may involve:
Lab tests useful to diagnose meningitis include:
Picture tests can be used to find signs of inflammation or other potential causes:
A lumbar puncture or a spinal tap is key to diagnosing meningitis. A needle is inserted into your spinal canal to collect a CSF sample. Doctors then assess this sample for signs of an infection.
The way to manage meningitis varies based on the type and how serious the infection is.
Cases need prompt hospital stays and care with IV antibiotics. Other supportive care may be given to manage inflammation and other issues.
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics based on the specific bacteria causing the infection. These could include:
Additional therapies that may be given along with antibiotics include:
Viral meningitis often goes away on its own. Still, taking care during this time may help manage symptoms.
Ways to care for viral meningitis include:
For fungal meningitis IV antifungal drugs may be given, often followed by oral medicines along with supportive care.
Antifungal drugs that may be used for this form include:
Please note, before taking these drugs it is advisable to consult your doctor for accurate guidance
Care typically includes drugs that target certain parasites or managing the symptoms of the infection.
Some drugs which target the parasites that cause this form include:
Please note, before taking these drugs it is advisable to consult your doctor for accurate guidance
The management of non-infectious kind includes taking care of the root cause, like cancer or autoimmune conditions. These may include drugs or therapies related to the cause.
Some ways to manage non-infectious meningitis include:
The management of chronic meningitis revolves around taking care of the root cause of the inflammation, like slow-growing organisms or autoimmune conditions.
Management of chronic type may include:
Here is a summary of management methods of meningitis based on type.
Also Read: 18 Simple Home Remedies For Fungal Infections!
| Type | Management |
| Bacterial | IV antibiotics, adjunct therapies (corticosteroids, anticonvulsants) |
| Viral | Supportive care (rest, hydration, over-the-counter remedies) |
| Fungal | IV and oral antifungal medications |
| Parasitic | Anthelmintic medications or symptomatic management |
| Non-infectious | Tackle root causes, corticosteroids |
| Chronic | Manage according to root cause (long-term antifungal medications, management of autoimmune disorders) |
If not taken care of quickly and properly, meningitis can cause short-term and long-term problems.
Some of the short-term problems that can arise from meningitis include:
Long-term problems can occur, especially in cases of bacterial meningitis:
Avoiding meningitis involves living healthy, staying clean, and getting vaccinated.
Shots may help guard against some forms of meningitis. Some common meningitis vaccines include:
General ways to reduce the spread of infections that may cause meningitis include:
During pregnancy, it’s key to avoid foods that may put you at risk for listeria infection. These foods can cause meningitis. Some tips for reducing possible listeriosis during pregnancy include:
Meningitis is a life-threatening health problem. It happens due to inflammation of the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord. Depending on the cause, symptoms, and the overall health of the person, it may range from mild to deadly. Fast and suitable help is key to limit problems and help ensure better outcomes. By understanding the different forms, risks, and management methods, people may take needed steps to reduce infection, detect disease early, and get appropriate medical care. Always be aware of meningitis risks. Also, be up to date with the vaccine shots to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Viral and bacterial meningitis can spread through tiny germs spreading into the air from the mouth or nose of an infected person or close contact. Other kinds, such as fungal, parasitic, and non-infectious meningitis, won’t spread.
Yes, many may recover from meningitis with suitable care ,but bacterial meningitis can be fatal if not treated promptly. Early medical intervention is crucial.
Viral and bacterial meningitis symptoms can appear over several hours or several days. It’s critical to seek medical help once symptoms appear for the best possible outcome.
Bacterial meningitis is caused by bacteria and is usually more severe than viral meningitis. Viral meningitis generally resolves on its own, whereas bacterial meningitis requires swift hospital admission and management with IV antibiotics.
Indeed, one can get meningitis more than once. While after recovering, some people might fight off a specific organism in the future, they could still get infected by other organisms. Proper vaccine shots and avoidance steps are critical to lower the risk of a second attack.
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