What is meningitis?

Meningitis is inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. It's usually caused by an infection. The infection occurs most often in children, teens, and young adults. Also at risk are older adults and people who have long-term health problems, such as a weakened immune system.

There are two main kinds of meningitis. They are:

Viral meningitis.

This is fairly common. It usually doesn't cause serious illness. In severe cases, it can cause prolonged fever and seizures.

Bacterial meningitis.

This isn't as common, but it's very serious. It needs to be treated right away to prevent brain damage and death.

The most common symptoms in teens and adults are:

• A stiff and painful neck, especially when you try to touch your chin to your chest.
• Fever.
• Headache.
• Vomiting.
• Trouble staying awake.
• Seizures.

Children, older adults, and people with other medical problems may have different symptoms:

• Babies may be cranky and refuse to eat. They may have a rash. They may cry when held.
• Young children may act like they have the flu. They may cough or have trouble breathing.
• Older adults and people with other medical problems may have only a slight headache and fever.

It is very important to see a doctor right away if you or your child has these symptoms. Only a doctor can tell whether they are caused by viral or bacterial meningitis. And bacterial meningitis can be deadly if it's not treated right away.

Your doctor will ask questions about your health, do an exam, and do one or more tests.

The doctor will almost always do a lumbar puncture. A long, thin needle is put into the spinal canal. The doctor uses the needle to collect samples of spinal fluid to check for bacteria and viruses.

Other tests that may be done include a:

• Complete blood count. This checks for signs of infection.
• Blood culture. This checks for infections.
• Urine test. It checks for infection in the urinary tract.
• Chest X-ray. It checks for lung infections.
• CT scan or MRI. These tests can look for swelling of brain tissue or for complications such as brain damage.

With mild cases of viral meningitis, you may only need home treatment. This includes drinking extra fluids and taking medicine for pain and fever.

Bacterial or severe viral meningitis may require treatment in a hospital. This includes:

• Medicines such as antibiotics, steroid medicines, and medicines to reduce fever.
• Oxygen therapy. This is done if you have trouble breathing. If people are too sick to breathe on their own, they may need a machine called a ventilator.
• Treatments to remove mucus from the bronchial tubes.
• Supportive care. In the hospital, doctors watch you closely and provide care if needed.

Most healthy adults who have recovered from meningitis don't need follow-up care. But babies and children always need follow-up care after they get better. This is to check for long-term problems caused by the illness.

Get plenty of rest. Stay in bed if you can. Be safe with medicines. Take your medicine as prescribed. If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine. Drink plenty of fluids. Choose water and other clear liquids until you feel better.