Medicines for Meningitis

What it is

Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It is most often caused by an infection. Viral meningitis is the more common form and is usually milder, with most people recovering on their own. Bacterial meningitis is far less common but is a medical emergency: it can become life-threatening within hours and may cause lasting harm such as hearing loss, brain injury or, where it spreads to the bloodstream, septicaemia. Because the early signs of meningitis can look like flu, recognising the warning features quickly matters more than waiting for any single symptom to appear. Several causes are now prevented by routine vaccination, which is why uptake of these vaccines is important.

How it is treated

Meningitis that may be bacterial is not something to manage at home — it is treated urgently in hospital. The single most important step is rapid recognition and getting emergency help, because early hospital antibiotics save lives and reduce the risk of lasting damage. In hospital, doctors assess the person, may take tests such as blood tests and a lumbar puncture, and start broad-spectrum antibiotics straight away when bacterial meningitis is suspected — often a cephalosporin given by injection or drip — without waiting for results. Supportive care for breathing, fluids and blood pressure is given as needed, and people are monitored closely. Viral meningitis is usually managed with rest, fluids and pain relief once a bacterial cause has been excluded. The classic red flags are fever, a severe headache, a stiff neck, dislike of bright light (photophobia), drowsiness or confusion, and a rash of spots that do not fade when pressed with a glass (a non-blanching rash) — but the rash can appear late or not at all, so do not wait for it before getting help. In babies the signs may differ: a high-pitched or moaning cry, being floppy or unusually stiff, a bulging soft spot (fontanelle) on the head, and refusing feeds.