Meningitis

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is a serious health condition where the membranes around the brain and spinal cord (called meninges) become inflamed. Viruses, bacteria or fungi can cause meningitis. It can affect people of any age and can cause serious complications if it’s not treated right away.

Types of meningitis

There are three main types of meningitis: viral, bacterial and fungal.

• Viral meningitis: This is the most common type of meningitis – and it’s usually less severe than other types. Common viruses, such as enteroviruses, herpes simplex virus or mumps often cause it. It can develop along with a respiratory (breathing) or gastrointestinal (digestive) infection.
• Bacterial meningitis: This type is more serious and may be life-threatening, sometimes within hours. About one in five people who get bacterial meningitis have serious complications and about one in 10 people die from the infection.  It’s caused when certain bacteria enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain and spinal cord.
• Fungal meningitis: This type is rare and typically happens only in people who have weakened immune systems, such as people living with HIV/AIDS, people who have had solid organ or bone marrow transplants, or people undergoing chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy. It’s caused when certain fungi enter the body, usually by breathing them in. 

Other types of meningitis: Parasites, amoebas, tuberculosis, lupus, chemical reactions, drug allergies, some cancers and other diseases can cause meningitis.

Note: Meningitis is different from encephalitis. Meningitis affects the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, while encephalitis involves inflammation of the brain itself. 

Symptoms of meningitis 

If you notice any symptoms of meningitis, seek medical care immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical.  

Symptoms may start a few days after a cold, vomiting or diarrhea. Common meningitis symptoms include:

• Fever
• Persistent, severe headaches
• Stiff neck
• Joint aches or pain
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Fatigue, drowsiness or trouble waking up
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion, irritability or difficulty concentrating
• Lack of appetite or lack of thirst
• Seizures
• Rash* (common in bacterial meningitis)

*For people with darker skin a rash can be harder to spot, but it may be easier to see on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

It may be harder to notice the symptoms of meningitis in babies. Watch for:

• Poor eating
• Irritability or crying
• Inactivity or sluggishness
• Abnormal reflexes
• A bulging soft spot (fontanelle) on their head
• A stiff body or neck

Meningitis can also be harder to spot in older adults, as they may show more subtle symptoms. Learn more. 

Complications of meningitis

Delaying treatment can lead to serious complications, especially with bacterial meningitis. Possible complications include:

• Brain damage
• Hearing loss
• Vision problems
• Learning disabilities or behavioral issues in children
• Memory and concentration problems
• Trouble with movement, balance or walking
• Arthritis
• Organ damage or failure
• Shock
• Seizures or epilepsy
• Sepsis

In severe cases, meningitis can lead to death.

How is meningitis diagnosed?

It’s important to know which type of meningitis you have since treatments are different. To diagnose meningitis, health care providers may consider:

• Medical history review: Symptoms, severity and possible exposure.
• Physical exam: Including a neurological exam.
• Nasal or throat swab: To detect infection.
• Spinal tap (lumbar puncture): To examine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
• Blood tests: To identify bacteria or viruses.
• CT or MRI scan: To look for swelling or brain abnormalities.
• Chest X-ray: To check for pneumonia, which can lead to meningitis.
• Other tests: To rule out conditions with similar symptoms. 

Meningitis treatment

To treat meningitis, providers aim to address whatever is causing it and reduce symptoms. Treatments for meningitis include:  

• Intravenous (IV) antibiotics, antiviral medications or antifungal treatments, depending on the cause.
• Steroids to treat swelling.
• Medication to treat headache, body aches and fever.
• IV fluids to keep you hydrated and manage complications.
• Oxygen to help with breathing.

Hospitalization may be necessary for several days. Following your treatment plan is essential: 

• Take all prescribed medications. 
• Attend all follow-up appointments. 
• Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. 
• Contact your provider with any concerns. 

How to prevent meningitis

You can lower your odds of getting meningitis by being vaccinated and taking steps to avoid infection.

Vaccinations help prevent bacterial infections that can cause meningitis. Depending on your age and risk factors, you may need these vaccinations:

• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV15 or PCV20)
• Pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV23)
• Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)
• Serogroup B meningococcal (MenB)

Vaccines can also protect against viral infections that can cause meningitis, such as chickenpox, measles, mumps and rubella. 

Tip: College students and people living in close quarters should stay up to date on vaccines because they are at higher risk. 

• Wash hands frequently. 
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. 
• Avoid sharing utensils, glasses, straws, lip balm or toothbrushes. 
• Stay away from people who are sick. 
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: eat well, stay active, don’t smoke and get enough sleep. 
• Pregnant people should avoid unpasteurized dairy, premade deli salads and should reheat deli meats and hot dogs to 165°F to lower the risk of listeria. 
• Talk to your provider about vaccines if you are immunocompromised or traveling to high-risk areas. 
• If you’ve been in close contact with someone with meningitis, your provider may recommend antibiotics.

Talk to your provider about vaccination to help prevent meningitis if you are immunocompromised or if you are traveling to a place where your risk of meningitis is higher.

Also talk to your provider if you’ve been in close contact with someone who has meningitis. They may want you to take antibiotics to lower your risk.

Risk factors for meningitis

These groups are more likely to get meningitis:

• Infants and young children, since their immune systems are still developing
• People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or organ transplants or who are having immunosuppressive therapy
• People who live in close quarters such as college dorms or military barracks
• People who have not been vaccinated
• People who have recently had an upper respiratory or ear infection
• People with no spleen or a damaged spleen
• People with frequent nose, ear or blood infections
• People with sickle cell disease
• People with alcohol use disorder
• People with traumatic head injuries that injure the brain’s protective barriers
• Travelers who go to high-risk areas such as sub-Saharan Africa, or Mecca during Hajj pilgrimage

Recovering from meningitis

Depending on how severe your meningitis is, recovery may take weeks or even months. It can help to:

• Educate yourself and your family about recovery so you know what to expect and how they can support you.
• Communicate openly with health care providers about your challenges and concerns.
• Choose a nutritious diet and stay hydrated so you can heal.
• Rest and slowly return to your normal activities as your energy levels allow. After meningitis, you may be tired for some time. It may be challenging to return to work, school or social activities.
• Share your feelings and concerns with loved ones. 
• Connect with others online or at in-person support groups to share your experiences.
• Get professional care if you have anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges.

Get expert meningitis care at Banner Health 

If you or a loved one has symptoms of meningitis, don’t wait. Visit the nearest Banner Health emergency department for immediate care. Early treatment can help prevent serious complications. 

Our experienced health care providers are ready to deliver fast, accurate diagnosis and compassionate treatment for meningitis and other serious infections.   

With a wide network of hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care centers and clinics, you're never far from expert care. 

Need care now? Find a Banner Health location near you or schedule an appointment.