is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. A bacterial or viral infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord usually causes swelling. However, injuries, cancer, certain drugs, and other types of infections also can cause meningitis. It is important to know the specific cause of meningitis because the treatment differs depending on the cause.

 

 

 

 

Causes

Viral infections are the most common cause of meningitis, followed by bacterial infections and, rarely, fungal and parasitic infections. Because bacterial infections can be life-threatening, identifying the cause is essential.

Bacterial meningitis: Bacteria that enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain and spinal cord cause acute bacterial meningitis. But it can also occur when bacteria directly invade the meninges. This may be caused by an ear or sinus infection, a skull fracture, or — rarely — some surgeries.

Viral meningitis: Viral meningitis is usually mild and often clears on its own. Most cases in the United States are caused by a group of viruses known as enteroviruses, which are most common in late summer and early fall. Viruses such as herpes simplex virus, HIV, mumps virus, West Nile virus, and others also can cause viral meningitis.

Chronic meningitis: Slow-growing organisms (such as fungi and Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that invade the membranes and fluid surrounding your brain cause chronic meningitis. Chronic meningitis develops over two weeks or more. The signs and symptoms of chronic meningitis — headache, fever, vomiting, and mental cloudiness — are similar to those of acute meningitis.

Fungal meningitis: Fungal meningitis is relatively uncommon in the United States. It may mimic acute bacterial meningitis. It’s often contracted by breathing in fungal spores that may be found in soil, decaying wood, and bird droppings. Fungal meningitis isn’t contagious from person to person. Cryptococcal meningitis is a common fungal form of the disease that affects people with immune deficiencies, such as AIDS. It’s life-threatening if not treated with an antifungal medication. Even with treatment, fungal meningitis may recur.

Parasitic meningitis: Parasites can cause a rare type of meningitis called eosinophilic meningitis. Parasitic meningitis can also be caused by a tapeworm infection in the brain (cysticercosis) or cerebral malaria. Amoebic meningitis is a rare type that is sometimes contracted through swimming in fresh water and can quickly become life-threatening. The main parasites that cause meningitis typically infect animals. People are usually infected by eating foods contaminated with these parasites. Parasitic meningitis isn’t spread between people.

Other meningitis causes: Meningitis can also result from noninfectious causes, such as chemical reactions, drug allergies, some types of cancer, and inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis (www.mayoclinic.org).

 

 

 

 

Symptoms

Early meningitis symptoms may mimic the flu (influenza). Symptoms may develop over several hours or over a few days.

Possible signs and symptoms in anyone older than the age of 2 includes:

• Sudden high fever
• Stiff neck
• Severe headache that seems different from normal
• Headache with nausea or vomiting
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Seizures
• Sleepiness or difficulty waking
• Sensitivity to light
• No appetite or thirst
• Skin rash (sometimes, such as in meningococcal meningitis)

 

Signs in newborns

Newborns and infants may show these signs:

• High fever
• Constant crying
• Excessive sleepiness or irritability
• Difficulty waking from sleep
• Inactivity or sluggishness
• Not waking to eat
• Poor feeding
• Vomiting
• A bulge in the soft spot on top of a baby’s head (fontanel)
• Stiffness in the body and neck

Infants with meningitis may be difficult to comfort, and may even cry harder when held.

 

 

 

 

 

Prevention

Common bacteria or viruses that can cause meningitis can spread through coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing eating utensils, a toothbrush, or a cigarette.

These steps can help prevent meningitis:

• Wash your hands. Careful hand-washing helps prevent the spread of germs. Teach children to wash their hands often, especially before eating and after using the toilet, spending time in a crowded public place, or petting animals. Show them how to vigorously and thoroughly wash and rinse their hands.
• Practice good hygiene. Don’t share drinks, foods, straws, eating utensils, lip balms, or toothbrushes with anyone else. Teach children and teens to avoid sharing these items too.
• Stay healthy. Maintain your immune system by getting enough rest, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Cover your mouth. When you need to cough or sneeze, be sure to cover your mouth and nose.
• If you’re pregnant, take care food. Reduce your risk of listeriosis by cooking meat, including hot dogs and deli meat, to 165 F (74 C). Avoid cheeses made from unpasteurized milk. Choose cheeses that are clearly labeled as being made with pasteurized milk.

 

 

 

 

 

 Treatment

The treatment depends on the type of meningitis you or your child has.

Bacterial meningitis: Acute bacterial meningitis must be treated immediately with intravenous antibiotics and sometimes corticosteroids. This helps to ensure recovery and reduce the risk of complications, such as brain swelling and seizures.

The antibiotic or combination of antibiotics depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection. Your doctor may recommend a broad-spectrum antibiotic until he or she can determine the exact cause of the meningitis.

Your doctor may drain any infected sinuses or mastoids — the bones behind the outer ear that connect to the middle ear.

 

Viral meningitis: Antibiotics can’t cure viral meningitis, and most cases improve on their own in several weeks. Treatment of mild cases of viral meningitis usually includes:

• Bed rest
• Plenty of fluids
• Over-the-counter pain medications to help reduce fever and relieve body aches

Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce swelling in the brain, and an anticonvulsant medication to control seizures. If a herpes virus caused your meningitis, an antiviral medication is available.

 

Other types of meningitis: If the cause of your meningitis is unknown, your doctor may start antiviral and antibiotic treatment while the cause is determined.

Treatment for chronic meningitis is based on the underlying cause. Antifungal medications treat fungal meningitis, and a combination of specific antibiotics can treat tuberculous meningitis. However, these medications can have serious side effects, so treatment may be deferred until a laboratory can confirm that the cause is fungal.

Noninfectious meningitis due to an allergic reaction or autoimmune disease may be treated with corticosteroids. In some cases, no treatment may be required because the condition can resolve on its own. Cancer-related meningitis requires therapy for specific cancer.

 

 

 

 

Natural Treatment Solutions

Natural herbal supplements for meningitis don’t have to substitute therapeutic medication. However, supporting the body with natural treatments works wonders for strength and boosting immunity.

Here are a few top natural treatment solutions:

Garlic: This is an effective natural treatment against meningitis because of its anti-viral and bactericidal properties.

Ginseng: Ginseng’s anti-allergic, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties work as a defense mechanism against various microbial and bacterial infections.

Olive Leaf Extracts: Olive leaf is loaded with disease-fighting antioxidants and vitamins, studies have proven their anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It can be used in dried, liquid, or capsule form as a natural treatment for meningitis.

Astragalus Root: Astragalus acts as an immune system tonic. It activates T-cells and seeks out free radicals everywhere in the body, neutralizing them before they can stimulate cellular mutation, and eliminate infectious pathogens. The adaptogenic qualities of astragalus can actually help your immune system become smarter and more effective in its handling of any foreign pathogen and substance, therefore boosting the general strength of your immune system for simple colds and infections.

 

 

 

 

Supportive Links:

“Epidemiology, diagnosis, and antimicrobial treatment of acute bacterial meningitis.” Clinical microbiology reviews 23.3 (2010): 467-492.

https://cmr.asm.org/content/23/3/467.short

 “Bacterial meningitis in children.” The lancet 361.9375 (2003): 2139-2148.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0140673603136938

“Viral meningitis: current issues in diagnosis and treatment.” Current opinion in infectious diseases 30.2 (2017): 248-256.

https://journals.lww.com/coinfectiousdiseases/Abstract/2017/04000/Viral_meningitis__current_issues_in_diagnosis_and.15.aspx

 

Note: “Western Pharmaceutical” is defined as a system in which medical doctors and other healthcare professionals (such as nurses, pharmacists, and therapists) treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery. Quote from National Cancer Institute: http://www.cancer.gov