What is Meningitis?

When my husband contracted viral meningitis several years ago I didn't really have any idea what the disease way. In fact, I thought he had a bad case of the flu for the symptoms were very similar. When I went back to work and told my fellow co-workers that what disease he had most of them panicked due to lack of understanding and knowledge concerning the different types of meningitis. Consequently, they insisted that I got to the doctor and get tested to ensure I did not have the disease. While understanding their fear, that fear is only founded in certain types of meningitis, not the type my husband had. I received a simple release form from my doctor that stated that I did not have the disease as the only way to test for meningitis is a spinal tap which is quite an invasive procedure to perform on someone who has no symptoms.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes of the spinal cord and/or brain. The disease is not always caused by an infectious agent. In fact, meningitis can occur following a head trauma, or possibly a sinus or ear infection, or can be the result of a blood borne infection that has spread to the meninges (the membrane covering the spinal cord and brain). Meningitis can either be from a viral infection or bacterial infection.

As mentioned before, the symptoms of meningitis can be similar to those of the flu. These symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, possibly altered mental status (from brain involvement) and photophobia. Vomiting can also occur, which can cause dehydration, which is how my husband ended up at the doctor. Many patients with meningitis may only have 2 or 3 of these symptoms. If the meningitis is caused by a bacterial agent or fungi or amebas, rapid deterioration of mental status may also be present along with seizures, shock and death.

Meningitis is considered a medical emergency that must be diagnosed and treated quickly. It is fatal in 10% - 40% of individuals who contract the disease regardless of treatment. Also, 10% of patients who survive the initial infection can have persistent neurological injury from the disease.

Formerly infectious meningitis mainly infected children and infants. After the first vaccine for meningitis was introduced to the pediatric population in the 1990's the disease became more of one acquired by adults.

The definitive test for meningitis is a spinal tap which is performed by a doctor. While painful and scary (for fear of spinal paralysis) the test is essential in providing optimal care for the extremely sick patient.

Currently, the FDA has approved a new meningitis vaccine for children and is included in their schedule of required vaccines. Because of a supply issue only select populations are receiving the vaccine. However, at some point all persons will be vaccinated from the disease. The vaccine protects 90% of persons vaccinated from acquiring meningitis.

If you believe you are in a vulnerable population, speak to your doctor or local health department and request the meningitis vaccine for your self.