Meningitis

Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, a membrane covering the brain and spinal cord, typically due to bacterial or viral infection.

Types

Aseptic meningitis

This is a viral meningitis, typically less severe than bacterial meningitis.

Bacterial meningitis

Meningitis caused by bacterial infection.

Fungal meningitis

A rare meningitis caused by inhaling spores from fungus. People with diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cancer and certain other health conditions are more likely to have meningitis caused by a fungus.

Parasitic meningitis

Less common than bacterial or viral meningitis is meningitis caused by parasites.

Amebic meningitis

A rare form of meningitis caused by a ameba found in warm water or soil.

Non-infectious meningitis

Non-infectious meningitis can be caused by lupus, certain drugs or other causes such as brain injury.

Symptoms

Sudden high fever, severe headache, and neck stiffness are the hallmark symptoms of meningitis. Others symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion and disorientation
• Seizures
• Drowsiness or sluggishness
• Sensitivity to light
• Poor appetite (anorexia)
• More severe symptoms include seizure and coma.

See also

• Aseptic meningitis
• Meninges

Learn more

• Meningitis - CDC
• Meningitis Video short