Spinal meningitis, sometimes just called meningitis, is an infection that attacks the membranes that cover the spinal cord and brain, causing them to become inflamed. This condition can be mild or life threatening. It can cause symptoms similar to a cold or flu such as headaches, nausea, fever and chills. More severe cases can cause a severely stiff neck, loss of consciousness, trouble breathing and can even be fatal. The types of symptoms you experience and the severity of your condition is in part determined by the cause of you spinal meningitis.
Enteroviruses
Meningitis that is caused by a virus is also called aseptic meningitis and is the most common kind. It is caused by one of the more than 60 forms of enteroviruses, some of which are known to cause the common cold. You can be exposed by kissing or sharing eating utensils, cigarettes or lip balm with an infected person. If an infected person coughs or sneezes into the air, you may be exposed as well. You can also be exposed by coming into contact with the stool of an infected person such as when changing a diaper. The symptoms may be mild and only last a few days. They can also be severe and take months to resolve. The Meningitis Foundation of America states that you can be infected and spread this condition before you ever have any symptoms, making it tough to prevent.
Viral Infections
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you can also develop spiral meningitis as a complication of another viral infection. This includes the mumps, herpes, Epstein-Barr, chickenpox, shingles, measles and the flu. Ear infections, sinus infections or a skull fracture can also increase your risk. While rare, this condition can occur when bitten by an infected insect or rodent.
Bacteria
Bacterial meningitis is spread the same way that viral meningitis is, except that it is caused by bacteria. The Directors of Health Promotion and Education state that it is usually from either Haemophilus influenzae type b, Neisseria meningitidis or Streptococcus pneumoniae. Bacterial meningitis is much more severe. Your doctor will need to run tests to identify the exact bacteria causing your condition, so the proper antibiotics can be used. If not treated successfully, this condition can be fatal.
Fungi
If you have a medical condition that compromises your immune system such as cancer or AIDS, you are at a higher risk of developing a form of spinal meningitis that is caused by a fungus. This includes Cryptococcus, Histoplasma or Coccidioides. Histoplasma and Coccidioides fungi are found in soil in the Midwestern and Southwestern parts of the United States. The Mayo Clinic says fungal meningitis is much more rare then bacterial or viral forms. You will need to take an antifungal medication to prevent complications.
