Meningitis

Elaine K. Luo, MD  

MeningitisMeningitis 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.
Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. 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.

Symptoms of meningitis
Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:

• ​a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
  
• being sick
  
• a headache
  
• a blotchy rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it (this won't always develop)
  
• a stiff neck
  
• a dislike of bright lights
  
• drowsiness or unresponsiveness
  
• seizures (fits)
  

These symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear.
Meningitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis.
Infections that cause meningitis can be spread through:

• ​sneezing
  
• coughing
  
• kissing
  

• ​meningitis B vaccine – offered to babies aged 8 weeks, followed by a second dose at 16 weeks, and a booster at 1 year
  
• 6-in-1 vaccine – offered to babies at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age
  
• pneumococcal vaccine – offered to babies at 8 weeks, 16 weeks and 1 year old
  
• Hib/MenC vaccine – offered to babies at 1 year of age
  
• MMR vaccine – offered to babies at 1 year and a second dose at 3 years and 4 months
  
• meningitis ACWY vaccine – offered to teenagers, sixth formers and "fresher" students going to university for the first time
  

Treatments for meningitis
People with suspected meningitis will usually have tests in hospital to confirm the diagnosis and check whether the condition is the result of a viral or bacterial infection.
Bacterial meningitis usually needs to be treated in hospital for at least a week. Treatments include: