Meningitis

Also called: Spinal meningitis

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National Institutes of Health

The primary NIH organization for research on Meningitis is theNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

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Find health information in languages other than English on Meningitis

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New on the MedlinePlus Meningitis page:

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis

05/01/2018 03:50 PM EDT

Source: National Library of Medicine - From the National Institutes of Health

Procalcitonin Test

05/01/2018 03:50 PM EDT

Summary

Meningitis is inflammation of the thin tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges. There are several types of meningitis. The most common is viral meningitis. You get it when a virus enters the body through the nose or mouth and travels to the brain. Bacterial meningitis is rare, but can be deadly. It usually starts with bacteria that cause a cold-like infection. It can cause stroke, hearing loss, and brain damage. It can also harm other organs. Pneumococcal infections and meningococcal infections are the most common causes of bacterial meningitis.

Anyone can get meningitis, but it is more common in people with weak immune systems. Meningitis can get serious very quickly. You should get medical care right away if you have

A sudden high fever
A severe headache
A stiff neck
Nausea or vomiting

Early treatment can help prevent serious problems, including death. Tests to diagnose meningitis include blood tests, imaging tests, and a spinal tap to test cerebrospinal fluid. Antibiotics can treat bacterial meningitis. Antiviral medicines may help some types of viral meningitis. Other medicines can help treat symptoms.

There are vaccines to prevent some of the bacterial infections that cause meningitis.

NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Start Here

Meningitis and Encephalitis (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)Also in Spanish
Meningitis Myths and Facts (National Foundation for Infectious Diseases)

Diagnosis and Tests

Bacteria Culture Test (National Library of Medicine)Also in Spanish
Blood Culture Test (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis (National Library of Medicine)Also in Spanish
Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap) (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation)Also in Spanish
Procalcitonin Test (National Library of Medicine)Also in Spanish
Ultrasound: Head (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation)Also in Spanish

Prevention and Risk Factors

Haemophilus Influenzae Type b (Hib) Vaccine: What You Need to Know(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - PDFAlso in Spanish
Meningococcal ACWY Vaccines - MenACWY and MPSV4: What You Need to Know(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - PDFAlso in Spanish
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13): What You Need to Know(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - PDFAlso in Spanish
Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine: What You Need to Know(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Immunization Action Coalition) - PDFAlso in Spanish
Use of Vaccines to Prevent Meningitis in Persons with Cochlear Implants(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Related Issues

Travelers' Health: Meningococcal Disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Specifics

Arachnoiditis (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)
Bacterial Meningitis (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)Also in Spanish
Fungal Meningitis (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)Also in Spanish
Meningococcal Meningitis (World Health Organization)
Non-Infectious Meningitis (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Parasitic Meningitis (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Subacute and Chronic Meningitis (Merck & Co., Inc.)Also in Spanish
Viral Meningitis (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)Also in Spanish