Meningitis, the inflammation of the membranes (known as meninges) that surround the brain and spinal cord, is most commonly caused by a viral or bacterial infection. On rare occasions, meningitis may also be caused by fungal or amoebic infections. Viral meningitis is the most common type, followed by meningococcal and pneumococcal that are caused by specific types of bacterial infections.
Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis occurs when a virus that is attacking the body also makes the brain and spinal cord membranes inflamed. Enteroviruses, the family of viruses that commonly cause the stomach flu, are the most likely viruses to cause meningitis. Other viruses, including arboviruses (viruses carried by ticks and mosquitoes), the mumps virus, herpes virus and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) are also known to cause viral meningitis.
The symptoms of viral meningitis are very similar to flu symptoms, including fever, headache and tiredness. The classic meningitis symptom, a stiff neck, may help to diagnose the condition as meningitis. Other symptoms, such as a rash, sore throat or vomiting, may be present. There is no specific treatment for viral meningitis, and it will typically resolve on its own in about a week.
Meningococcal Meningitis
Meningococcal meningitis, caused the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, is the most common type of bacterial meningitis in children, according to the National Institutes of Health. This type of meningitis is highly contagious, and is the cause of outbreaks of meningitis among college campuses, boarding schools and military bases.
The symptoms of meningococcal meningitis include high fever, severe headache, malaise (general ill feeling), nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light. Patients may also have a rash of pinpoint red spots, known as petechiae, or purple bruise-like areas. Just as in viral meningitis, the presence of a stiff neck is a characteristic symptom.
Bacterial meningitis is more dangerous than viral meningitis, and can lead to serious complications. If the condition is not treated, it can result in seizures, blindness, deafness, permanent neurological damage, learning disabilities, brain damage, paralysis or even death, according to the doctors at the Mayo Clinic.
Pneumococcal Meningitis
Pneumococcal meningitis is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumonia. This is the most common type of bacterial meningitis in adults, according to the National Institutes of Health, and the second most common type in children.
The symptoms of pneumococcal meningitis are similar to meningococcal meningitis, and include high fever, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, severe headache and stiff neck. The spinal fluid must be tested by doctors to determine the type of bacteria causing the infection.
