Meningitis
Houston Methodist’s neurologists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of meningitis, a potentially life-threatening nervous system infection caused by inflammation and swelling of the protective lining of the brain and spinal cord.
Our multidisciplinary team pinpoints the cause of your symptoms to create a fast and accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment plan. We provide advanced diagnostic tools, specialized care teams and innovative treatments — including clinical trial therapies not widely available elsewhere.
See your doctor right away if you think you could have meningitis or have had close contact with someone recently diagnosed with meningitis. If left untreated, meningitis can cause long-term effects such as hearing loss, blindness, speech and learning disabilities, and brain damage.
Our multidisciplinary team pinpoints the cause of your symptoms to create a fast and accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment plan. We provide advanced diagnostic tools, specialized care teams and innovative treatments — including clinical trial therapies not widely available elsewhere.
See your doctor right away if you think you could have meningitis or have had close contact with someone recently diagnosed with meningitis. If left untreated, meningitis can cause long-term effects such as hearing loss, blindness, speech and learning disabilities, and brain damage.
Meningitis FAQs
Early meningitis symptoms can be similar to the flu. Symptoms typically appear suddenly over several hours up to a few days. See your doctor if you experience any new, ongoing or unexplained symptoms such as:
Any of these symptoms may instead be caused by something other than meningitis. The only way to know what is causing a particular symptom is to see your doctor. Consulting your doctor when symptoms begin or worsen can lead to an earlier diagnosis and a better outcome.
- Back pain
- Confusion or trouble concentrating
- Fever above 99.5F
- Lack of appetite
- Lack of energy (lethargy)
- Light sensitivity
- Nausea or vomiting
- Skin rash (small, red pinpricks or purple blotches)
- Stiff neck
- Sudden or severe headache
Any of these symptoms may instead be caused by something other than meningitis. The only way to know what is causing a particular symptom is to see your doctor. Consulting your doctor when symptoms begin or worsen can lead to an earlier diagnosis and a better outcome.
Meningitis is an infection that attacks and causes inflammation in the membrane and cerebrospinal fluid located in the areas around the brain and spinal cord. There are several types of meningitis:
- Viral meningitis – This is the most common form of meningitis and is caused by a virus.
- Bacterial meningitis – This can be caused by many forms of bacteria. It is the most serious form of meningitis and considered a medical emergency.
- Fungal meningitis – This is a rare form of meningitis caused by fungi or parasites. It most often affects individuals with weakened immune systems.
Your health care provider may use a combination of tests to confirm a meningitis diagnosis, such as:
- Physical examination – Your doctor asks you for more details about your symptoms and if you have had close contact with anyone recently diagnosed with meningitis.
- Blood test – A lab technician tests a sample of your blood to check for infection.
- Imaging exam – A technician administers a CT scan or MRI, which takes pictures of your brain (brain scan) in order to check for infection.
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tab) – A lab technician tests a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collected from your lower back to check for infection.
- Nasal or throat swab – A lab technician tests a sample from your nose or throat to check for infection.
- Stool sample – A lab technician tests a sample of your stools to check for infection.
Treatment for meningitis depends on its type. Your doctor may prescribe you a mix of medication or other therapies, as needed:
The length of your treatment and recovery time varies by the type and severity of the meningitis, and your immune system.
- Viral meningitis – Get plenty of rest and fluids. Pain medicine may be prescribed to help reduce fever and body aches. For certain cases, a doctor prescribes an antiviral medication.
- Bacterial meningitis – Antibiotics are administered right away, sometimes intravenously (though a vein with an IV). After that, a course of anti-fungal medications is taken orally (by mouth). Corticosteroids like dexamethasone or prednisone may also be needed to reduce inflammation.
- Fungal meningitis – A high dose of anti-fungal medication is administered intravenously (through a vein with an IV). A course of anti-fungal medications is then taken orally (by mouth).
The length of your treatment and recovery time varies by the type and severity of the meningitis, and your immune system.
Whether you need a precise diagnosis or a second opinion, we can help. Our specialists can pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and design a personalized treatment plan to restore your quality of life.
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