Meningitis

What is meningitis?

Meningitis means inflammation of the meninges, which is a membrane of fine skin covering the brain.

It is caused by infection with germs, either viruses or bacteria. Viral meningitis is more common and thankfully less serious than bacterial meningitis, which is far more dangerous and needs urgent treatment.

Bacterial meningitis can cause severe brain damage, deafness, fits, squints, vertigo (dizziness), tinnitus (ringing in the ears), persistent headaches and lack of co-ordination.

What are the symptoms?

• Headache

• Neck stiffness

• Fever

• Vomiting

• Drowsiness or confusion

• Dislike of bright light

• Backache and joint pains

• Skin rash

In babies, watch out for these particular signs:

• Refusing feeds

• Vomiting

• Fever

• Difficulty in waking

• High pitched cry

• Fretfulness

• Red/purplish spots

In general it can be difficult to spot meningitis. But it can be a dangerous condition that can progress rapidly, so if you suspect that you or someone in your care might have it you should seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Another test is the so-called tumbler test. If someone has a purple rash, press a glass against the skin firmly. If you can still see the rash through the glass, then there is an infection in the blood (septicaemia) and you should seek urgent medical attention.

How is it spread?

The spread of meningitis will depend on the type (viral or bacterial). Bacterial meningitis can be spread by sneezes and coughs, and can also be spread by sharing cutlery, toothbrushes and other personal possessions.

Typically the bacteria or virus gets into the blood stream in one location, and then transfers through the body to the brain.

Prevention and treatment

An effective and safe vaccine, called the 'Hib' vaccine, which protects against the commonest form of bacterial meningitis (Haemophilus influenza B meningitis) is now routinely given to all children in three doses, when they receive their 'triple' vaccine of diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough at 2, 3 and 4 months.

There are also vaccines for meningitis C, and the MMR vaccine also provides protection against infections that can cause meningitis.

You cannot treat meningitis on your own, and will need to seek urgent medical help.

As it is a serious disease that can cause serious damage and even death in some cases, it will be treated in an Intensive Care Unit.

For more information on treatment read the Health A-Z entry here.

This article was published on Wed 4 November 2009