Meningitis is an inflammation of the fluid and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, called meninges. It is usually caused by an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, but it can also be caused by injuries, cancer, certain drugs, and other types of infections. The most common symptoms of meningitis are fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, sensitivity to bright light, confusion, joint aches or pains, drowsiness, seizures, and altered mental status. The symptoms may be stronger in some types of meningitis than in others and require different treatment.

There are two types of meningitis, each with different causes: viral meningitis, which is caused by a virus, and bacterial meningitis, which is caused by a bacterium. Fungal meningitis and tuberculosis meningitis are rare. Bacterial meningitis is rare but can be life-threatening if not treated right away. Many different types of bacteria can cause it, and it can spread to the meninges from nearby areas in the body when someone has had a skull fracture, brain surgery, a cochlear implant, or a serious infection in the ear or the sinuses.

Viral meningitis is serious but often less severe than bacterial meningitis. People with normal immune systems who get viral meningitis usually get better on their own. Fungal meningitis is rare, but people can get it by inhaling fungal spores from the environment. Parasitic meningitis is much less common than viral and bacterial meningitis.

Treatment for meningitis depends on the specific cause of the disease. Meningitis caused by bacteria can be deadly and requires immediate medical attention. Vaccines are available to help protect against some kinds of bacterial meningitis. Meningitis caused by viruses is serious but often less severe than bacterial meningitis. People with normal immune systems who get viral meningitis usually get better on their own. There are vaccines to prevent some kinds of viral meningitis. Fungal meningitis is treated with antifungal medications.

The best way to reduce the risk of meningitis is to take simple precautions to protect yourself from the infectious diseases that most often cause it. Getting vaccinated, practicing safe food handling, and washing your hands are a few ways to reduce the risk of getting infectious diseases. If you suspect that you or someone in your fami...