You’ve likely heard of meningitis, but how much do you actually know about it?
The thought of an infection in the brain or spine is scary, but thankfully, meningitis is treatable. If a doctor can immediately diagnose and treat meningitis, most patients can recover without any long-term effects.
What is meningitis?
“Meningitis is an inflammation or infection of the meninges — the layers of membranes that cover our brain and spinal cord,” said Nicholas Mathenia, DO, a neurologist with Endeavor Health Medical Group.
There are three layers that make up the meninges: the pia mater (inner layer closest to the brain), the arachnoid mater (middle layer), and the dura mater (outer layer closest to the skull).
How do you contract it?
“Typical meningitis is caused by a viral, bacterial or fungal infection,” said Dr. Mathenia. “More rarely, it can also occur due to certain cancers or a reaction to certain drugs or medications.”
Meningitis can be contracted when certain bacteria, viruses or fungi get into the brain through the blood or spinal fluid via a wound or break in the protective layers that cover our brains and spinal cord. It can also be caused by contaminated food or water or from direct contact with someone who is sick via respiratory droplets.
While anyone can contract meningitis, people who have compromised immune systems are especially at risk.
What are the signs?
Symptoms typically include:
- Headache (may be severe)
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Fever
- Sensitivity to light
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Extreme sleepiness, drowsiness
- Lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting
- Small round spots on the skin
It’s easy to mistake the early signs of meningitis for the flu, but if you have a high fever with a severe headache and/or stiff neck, get to a doctor right away. Anyone who has been in contact with someone with meningitis should also contact their doctor.
How is meningitis treated?
Because meningitis is a serious infection, you should seek treatment immediately.
“The body does mount a response to infection in the brain just like other parts of our body,” said Dr. Mathenia. “However, it is often necessary to use antibiotics, antiviral or antifungal medications.”
Medical teams also offer supportive treatment, meaning they keep you well hydrated and prescribe medications to help control the fevers and headaches.
Most cases of meningitis in the U.S. are attributed to viral infections, and most people with mild viral meningitis usually get better on their own within a week to 10 days. This type of meningitis can often be treated at home with rest and medication to relieve symptoms.
Bacterial meningitis, on the other hand, is a rare but potentially fatal condition. It can cause brain damage, hearing loss, learning disabilities, or even death without fast antibiotic treatment.
“Meningitis can be fatal or cause serious and permanent medical harm, so appropriate measures need to be taken,” said Dr. Mathenia. “If you think you might have meningitis, get evaluated by a physician right away — don’t wait at home to see if it resolves on its own.”
The only way to find out if it’s viral or bacterial meningitis is to get evaluated by a doctor, who will likely collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) via a lumbar puncture.
Can you prevent it?
Fortunately, many (but not all) forms of bacterial meningitis can be prevented by vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the vaccine for all preteens and teens, as well as adults at increased risk.
There are preventative measures to protect you from contracting meningitis, such as wearing a mask, washing your hands, practicing safe food prep, and avoiding contact with sick people if you are immunocompromised or in a high-risk population. But unfortunately, there is no way to eliminate the risk of contracting meningitis.
“Meningitis can be a serious medical emergency and should be evaluated by a doctor immediately,” said Dr. Mathenia. “The good news is, most people fully recover with proper diagnosis and care from a great medical team.”
Related Articles
