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Understanding Meningitis: How to Spot It Before It Strikes
- Stephanie Ray
- Feb 12
- 3 min read
Stephanie Ray, RN, BSN
Meningitis is the infection and swelling (inflammation) of the fluid and protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord called the meninges.
Meningitis is a complication from an initial infection mainly caused by viruses or bacteria.
There are two significant causes of meningitis:
Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial. Although it is rarely deadly, it can be caused by various viruses spread through close contact with others through poor hygiene, coughing, and sneezing.
Bacterial Meningitis, though rare, may be fatal and requires immediate medical attention. Bacteria may spread through respiratory and throat secretions like coughing and kissing. Many species of bacteria can cause meningitis, including:
Neisseria meningitis (meningococcus). A common cause of bacterial meningitis in children 2 to 18 years of age. Respiratory droplets and close contact spread it. Meningococcal meningitis occurs most often in the first year of life but may also occur in people in close quarters, such as college dorms.
Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is the most common and severe bacterial meningitis. People with weak immune systems are most at risk.
Haemophilus influenzae type b. The development of the vaccine has dramatically decreased the number of cases in the U.S. Children who do not have access to the vaccine, especially those in daycare centers, are at higher risk.
Listeria monocytogenes. A more frequent cause of meningitis in neonates, pregnant women, people over the age of 60, and those with weakened immune systems.
Early Meningitis symptoms may present as the flu and develop over several hours or days.
The following may be symptoms of meningitis in people older than 2 years:
Sudden high fever.
Stiff neck.
Bad headache.
Nausea or vomiting.
Confusion or trouble concentrating.
Seizures.
Sleepiness or difficulty waking.
Sensitivity to light.
No desire to eat or drink.
Sometimes, skin rash occurs, such as in meningococcal meningitis.
The following may be symptoms of meningitis in newborns and infants:
High fever.
Constant crying.
Being very sleepy or irritable.
Trouble waking from sleep.
Being not active or sluggish.
Not waking to eat.
Poor feeding.
Vomiting.
A bulge in the soft spot on top of the baby's head.
Stiffness in the body and neck.
Meningitis is not infectious itself, but the illness that caused it is.
To diagnose meningitis, your provider may order the following tests
Nasal or throat swab.
Lumbar puncture/spinal tap where your healthcare provider inserts a needle into your lower back to collect a sample of your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). A lab tests your CSF sample for signs of infection.
Blood tests to look for signs of infection.
Your healthcare provider can use a CT scan or MRI to take pictures of your brain and look for inflammation.
Treating meningitis depends on the source of the infection.
Vaccines are the most effective way to protect against certain kinds of bacterial meningitis. Intravenous (IV) antibiotics are used to treat bacterial meningitis. The earlier the treatment is started, the better the outcome. While steroids have been shown to help treat bacterial meningitis in infants and children, this treatment is used less often in adults.
The focus of treatment for viral meningitis is relieving symptoms. Antivirals and medications like Tylenol can be used for fever, aches, and pains.
You should see your doctor if you believe you have meningitis or have been in contact with someone who does. Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency that can worsen rapidly. Go to your nearest emergency room if you have symptoms of meningitis
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