Causes and Treatment of Meningitis (Adults)

In this article we will discuss about various Causes of Meningitis and its Treatment. So, let’s get started.

Causes

Bacterial Meningitis due to Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus Influenzae etc

Viral Meningitis due to Herpes,HIV etc

Fungal Meningitis due to Cryptococcus

Parasitic Meningitis due to N.fowerli,Angiostrongylus cantonensis

Non-infectious Causes includes

Sjögren Syndrome

Lupus and Other Autoimmune Disorders

Rheumatoid arthritis

Behçet Syndrome etc

Risk factors include

Age – Children below 5 years are more likely to suffer Viral Meningitis while Bacterial Meningitis is more common in those below 20 yrs of age.

Compromised Immune System like Diabetics, HIV patients, Patients on Steroids etc

Pregnancy

Skipping Vaccination

Treatment

Antibiotics are used in Bacterial Meningitis depending upon the causative agent.

Antibiotics doesn’t help in Viral Meningitis.

Viral Meningitis usually gets cured on its own

Fungal Meningitis requires antifungal medications

Plenty of fluid, maintaining proper hydration and ample of rest is the mainstay of the treatment.

Pain Relievers, Steroids etc helps to reduce pain and Fever.

Vaccinations include

For pneumococcal meningitis

PCV13

PPSV23

For meningococcal meningitis

MenB for Neisseria meningitidis type B

MenACWY for Neisseria meningitidis type A,C W-135 and Y

CDC recommends MenACWY Vaccine for all children aged below 11 and a booster dose at 16 and MenB Vaccine for teenagers.