About Spinal Meningitis

Overview

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, a system of protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. If someone has meningitis, it affects both the brain and spinal cord; it cannot affect only the spine. However, it may be referred to as spinal meningitis by those without medical knowledge or training. Learning about meningitis can help people recognize the signs and symptoms and seek proper medical treatment.

Causes

Meningitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. "Streptococcus pneumoniae," "Neisseria meningitidis," "Haemophilus influenzae" and "Listeria monocytogenes" can cause bacterial meningitis. Infection can occur after the bacteria of a sinus infection or ear infection enter the bloodstream and infect the meninges. According to the Mayo Clinic, more than 90 percent of all viral meningitis cases are caused by enteroviruses. Fungal meningitis is uncommon, but can occur when someone inhales "Cryptococcus neoformans," a yeast that is found in soil. Meningitis can also have non-infectious causes, such as cancer, drug allergies and inflammatory diseases.

Risk Factors

Several risk factors increase the chance that someone will develop meningitis. Professionals from the Centers for Disease Control indicate that people from 11 to 18 years of age are at the highest risk. Laboratory workers and microbiologists are also at risk because they work with infectious organisms. First-year college students and military recruits are at risk because they live and work with large groups of people, allowing the disease to spread more quickly. People with dysfunctional spleens and those with suppressed immune systems are also at risk for meningitis.

Signs and Symptoms

According to The Nemours Foundation, the signs and symptoms of meningitis appear suddenly or can appear several days after someone has signs of infection such as diarrhea, vomiting and a runny nose. Signs and symptoms of the disease include fever, irritability, eye sensitivity to light, lethargy, headache, skin rashes and stiff neck.

Diagnosis

Several tests can be used to determine if someone has meningitis. Throat cultures can identify bacteria that are causing pain in the throat, neck and head, but cannot diagnose meningitis. CT scans of the sinuses can detect swelling and inflammation caused by infection. Spinal tap, also called lumbar puncture, is the only way that meningitis can be diagnosed definitively. During this test, a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is taken from the spine. In cases of meningitis, the CSF usually shows increased white blood cell and protein counts and low levels of glucose. Polymerase chain analysis, a DNA-based test, can also check for the presence of organisms that can cause meningitis.

Treatment

Treatment for meningitis depends on the underlying cause of the disease. Viral meningitis has no specific treatment and usually clears up on its own within two weeks. Bacterial meningitis requires treatment with antibiotics as soon as possible. According to the Centers for Disease Control, treating bacterial meningitis with the proper antibiotics reduces the chance of death to below 15 percent. The Meningitis Foundation of America indicates that fungal meningitis must be treated with intravenous medication called Amphotericin B. If a patient does not respond to this treatment, the drug is given through the spinal cord. Oral anti-fungal medications may also be used in the treatment of fungal meningitis.

Risks and Complications

If meningitis is left untreated, the risk for neurological damage increases. Untreated meningitis can lead to seizures, loss of speech, blindness, hearing loss, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, brain damage and paralysis. Meningitis can also cause adrenal gland and kidney failure. If the disease remains untreated, it can lead to shock or death within a matter of days.