What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is a rare infection characterized by inflammation of the membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The causes of this condition are usually infections resulting from viruses (the most common type), bacteria and other organisms like parasites and fungi. It can also occur due to certain illnesses and medications. Knowing the cause of meningitis is important because treatment procedures also differ. People of all ages can develop the condition, although different types tend to affect different age groups (x).
Meningitis often leads to dysfunction of the meninges, as well as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is the fluid that protects the structures of the central nervous system.
Meninges are the three membranes (the dura mater, arachnoid and pia mater) that surround the skull and vertebral canal and enclose the brain and spinal cord. The meninges, together with cerebrospinal fluid, play a vital role as the brain’s protectors. Next, they create a barrier that helps to keep away germs or any traumatic process from directly affecting the brain.
The swelling from meningitis causes symptoms like fever, stiff neck, vomiting and headaches. The symptoms are less specific in infants and may include fever, poor feeding, irritability and tiredness. Early in the disease, the initial symptoms can be similar to those of the flu.
Meningitis can be life-threatening and does classify as a medical emergency (x). Anyone experiencing symptoms of meningitis should seek medical attention immediately.
Types of Meningitis
Viral Meningitis
This is the most common form. It’s often mild and usually clears on its own without causing any major problems. Most people recover from viral meningitis without any treatment. Children less than one month old are at a higher risk of severe viral meningitis due to their weakened immune systems (x).
Most cases in the U.S. are caused by a group of viruses known as enteroviruses, which are very common in early fall and late summer when these viruses spread most often (x). However, only a few individuals infected with these viruses will actually develop meningitis. Other viruses that can cause the condition include measles virus, herpes simplex viruses, influenza virus and West Nile virus.
If a person comes into contact with a patient with viral meningitis, he or she will likely become infected with the virus that made that person sick, but will most likely not develop meningitis. This is because only a small number of individuals who get infected with the viruses that result in meningitis actually develop the condition (x).
Young patients less than 5 years old and individuals with a weak immune system due to diseases and medications like chemotherapy are at a greater risk of developing this condition (x).
Bacterial Meningitis
This form is rare, but can be fatal if not treated promptly. It develops when bacteria enters the bloodstream and travels all the way to the brain and spinal cord; thus, the bacteria causes acute bacterial meningitis. This form can also occur from direct invasion of the meninges exclusively by bacteria as a result of a skull fracture, surgery or an ear or sinus infection. Bacterial meningitis can be severe and life-threatening and easily spreads between individuals with close contact.
Between 2003 and 2007, bacterial meningitis was responsible for around 4,100 cases and 500 deaths on average in the United States each year (x).
Babies are at a higher risk of developing bacterial meningitis compared to other age groups. Other people at a higher risk are travelers, people living in a community setting and those taking medications or undergoing surgical procedures (x, x).
Fungal Meningitis
This form of meningitis is rare and spreads through breathing fungal spores in the air that travel through the blood to the spinal cord. Anyone can develop this form, but people with cancer or an HIV infection are more prone.
Cryptococcus is the most common cause of fungal meningitis in people with weakened immune systems and one of the leading causes of the condition in Africa (x).
Fungal meningitis does not spread from one person to another. Rather, it develops after a fungus attacks the brain or spinal cord or from an infection close to the brain or spinal cord. Some medications can also cause fungal meningitis (x).
Parasitic Meningitis
This form is much less common than both bacterial and viral meningitis. Naegleria fowleri is a type of parasite found all over the world, though it only rarely causes meningitis. It invades the body through the nose and travels all the way to the brain. It is commonly found in warm freshwater sources like hot springs, lakes and rivers. One can encounter this parasite by swimming in hot tubs that use water heaters or contaminated swimming pools.
Non-Infectious Meningitis
This form does not spread from person to person. Rather, it’s caused by brain injury, certain drugs, cancers, inflammation, chemical irritation and lupus (x).
Meningitis Symptoms
- High fever
- Headache
- Nausea
- No appetite
Other Symptoms
- Stiff neck
- Seizures
- Lack of appetite
- Skin rash
- Difficulty concentrating
- Headache with vomiting and nausea
- Sensitivity to light
Encephalitis vs. Meningitis
Meningitis is an infection of the meninges, the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord; in contrast, encephalitis is inflammation of the brain itself (x). Causes of both meningitis and encephalitis involve parasites, fungus, viruses and bacteria.
Symptoms of encephalitis include seizures, sudden severe dementia, muscle weakness, and loss of consciousness. These symptoms might require emergency treatment. Other symptoms include vomiting, stiff neck and back, drowsiness, headache, vomiting and sudden fever. In more severe cases, an individual might have difficulties with speech and hearing, hallucinations and vision problems.
Symptoms of meningitis that may appear suddenly often include nausea, high fever, severe headache, stiff neck and changes in behavior like sleepiness, confusion and difficulties waking.
The prognosis for an individual with it and encephalitis varies. In many cases, individuals with very mild meningitis or encephalitis can recover, but through a slow process. It can take 2-4 weeks for individuals with mild symptoms to recover. Severe cases may lead to permanent impairment or death. The acute phase of encephalitis can last up to two weeks, with a sudden resolution of neurological symptoms.
An individual with any symptoms of encephalitis or meningitis should seek medical attention immediately. Antibiotics for most forms of it can help lower the risk of people dying from the disease. People with encephalitis are usually hospitalized for treatment. Those with breathing problems may need artificial respiration (x).
Causes of Meningitis
Viral Infections
The viral infections that most commonly cause viral meningitis include (x):
- Enteroviruses. The common cause of viral meningitis in this group is Echovirus or Coxsackie.
- Herpes viruses. Herpes is a common cause of viral meningitis in adolescents and adults in developed countries (x). These viruses include Varicella Zoster and simplex virus, which also cause shingles and chickenpox.
- Flaviviruses. These viruses normally affect wild animals like birds and are carried by tick or mosquitoes. They include the West Nile virus and can cause encephalitis or meningitis in humans.
- HIV. Meningitis can develop during the initial stages of HIV infection. HIV is a rare cause of viral meningitis, but it is advised that adults with viral meningitis due to unknown cause undergo an HIV test.
Bacterial Infections
These viruses cause bacterial meningitis and they include:
- Listeria monocytogens
- Haemophilus influenza
- Neisseria meningitides
- Group B Streptococcus
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
Fungal Infections
They cause fungal meningitis. Fungal infections are caused by fungus like:
- Cryptococcus
- Histoplasma
- Blastomyces
- Coccidioides
Risk Factors
The risk factors for any form of meningitis include:
Age
People of all ages can develop this condition. Most cases of bacterial meningitis occur in people under 20 years old while viral meningitis is common in children younger than 5 years of age.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women are at a higher risk of listeriosis — an infection that results from listeria bacteria, which can also cause it. It also increases the risk of premature births and miscarriages.
Living Space
Living in or near close quarters where illnesses can easily spread like campuses, boarding schools, and nursing homes.
Surgery or Medical Status
Recovering from surgeries, especially those that involve incisions in the head or skull, can cause the condition. People with diabetes, AIDS, alcoholism and those under immunosuppressant medication at a higher risk should they undergo surgery.
Treatment for Meningitis
Meningitis is a medical emergency that requires prompt evaluation at a hospital to determine the type of treatment. Antibiotics and antiviral medications are immediate considerations in cases of acute meningitis. Anticonvulsants can prevent and treat seizures, a typical side effect of inflammation of the brain. Corticosteroids are sometimes administered to reduce brain swelling. Sedatives also help to reduce restlessness and irritability. In cases where the condition causes high CSF pressure, a CFS shunt can measure and relieve the pressure.
Meningitis Remedies and Supplements
- Garlic. Garlic Extract Powder is meant to be taken in two daily servings of 650 mg and should be consumed along with a meal.
- Peppermint. As a dietary supplement, take 700 mg (about 1/3 tsp) of Peppermint Extract Powder once or twice daily, or as directed by a physician. It’s best taken with meals
- Rest. This helps the body to recover and function properly.
- Prevent person-to-person transmission by staying at home when sick, especially for those living in close quarters.
Other Remedies and Supplements
- Practice good hygiene by not sharing toothbrushes, straws, drinks, and lip balms with anyone. Teach young children not to share such items, too.
- Keep the immune system healthy by eating foods like fruits, whole grains and vegetables.
- Cover the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
- Manage stiffness and pain naturally by getting adequate sleep, gentle massages and using natural pain relievers like peppermint essential oil.
The Bottom Line
Meningitis is an infection characterized by inflammation of the meninges, membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Some symptoms include high fever, sudden headaches, neck pain, stiffness and vomiting. Causes of the condition include bacterial infections, fungal and parasitic infections and viral infections. Treatment varies and depends on the type of meningitis. Procedures include intravenous fluids, antibiotics and surgery in rare cases.