What is meningitis?
Meningitis is a condition in which there is inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges. There are three layers of meninges: the outermost layer is called the dura mater, the middle layer is called the arachnoid mater, and the innermost layer, which lies directly against the brain’s surface, is called the pia mater.
Meningitis is a very serious condition and needs to be treated urgently in hospital, as it can be life-threatening.
What causes meningitis?
Meningitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. In rarer cases, it can be caused by other infections or non-infectious causes.
Bacterial meningitis can be caused by several types of bacteria, including meningococcal bacteria. Bacterial meningitis can be very serious and requires urgent treatment.
Some of the infections that cause meningitis can spread between people, usually through close or prolonged contact with someone carrying the infection.
It is possible to get meningitis more than once.
What happens in meningitis?
An infection can reach the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (the meninges), causing them to become inflamed. The meninges are protective layers around the brain and spinal cord, made up of three membranes.
The body’s response to the infection causes inflammation of the meninges. This places pressure on the brain. The infection and inflammation can also affect the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. In serious cases, this can lead to a rise in pressure inside the skull (known as intracranial pressure). Inflammation and increased pressure around the brain can damage brain tissue and cause serious injury if left untreated.
Symptoms of meningitis may begin with the sudden onset of flu-like symptoms such as a high temperature, joint and muscle pain and headache. It can be accompanied by a characteristic purple or red spotty or blotchy rash that does not fade when a clear glass is pressed against it. Not everyone gets this rash, and you should never wait for a rash to develop first if you are concerned about possible meningitis.
Other symptoms to look out for include:
cold hands and feet;
confusion;
seizures;
being very sleepy;
a severe headache and discomfort when looking at bright lights;
neck stiffness;
body pains;
stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea.
If you think that you or someone else may have meningitis, call 999 or go to A&E immediately. Do not wait for a rash to appear. If you are showing symptoms, do not drive yourself to hospital.
There are additional symptoms to look out for in babies and children under 5 years old. These are listed on the NHS website.
Kieran's story
When Kieran Wallis suffered meningitis and a stroke at the tender age of just 15 months old, he was tragically left with a serious brain injury that would go on to challenge his family relationships in adulthood.
Now a university graduate, loving father-of-two and a keen drummer, Kieran is writing his first graphic novel with a message to anyone facing lifelong disability after brain injury: Carpe Diem (Seize the Day).
Find out more about Kieran’s experience of living with meningitis.
How is meningitis treated?
Hospital tests may include blood tests and a lumbar puncture. A computerised tomography (CT) scan or X-ray may also be needed in some circumstances.
Tests to diagnose meningitis can take a number of hours to complete, so treatment will usually be offered immediately if meningitis is suspected.
Bacterial meningitis and serious viral meningitis are treated in hospital with medication, depending on the type of infection. Other treatments may be needed to address symptoms such as dehydration or low oxygen levels. Steroid medication might be used to help reduce the swelling around the brain.
Viral meningitis often gets better on its own. It can usually be managed at home with rest, fluids and treatment to relieve symptoms, as well as following any medical advice given.
Vaccinations are also offered to protect against some of the infections that can cause meningitis.
What happens after meningitis is treated?
Following treatment for meningitis, a person will usually need to stay in hospital to recover. They will continue to be monitored by the medical team. The length of the hospital stay will depend on the type and severity of meningitis, the treatment provided and the person’s individual needs.
The person may have rehabilitation to help manage the physical, cognitive or emotional impact of meningitis. This can take place within the hospital, at a specialist brain injury rehabilitation unit or through community-based teams.
A person may be able to return directly home from hospital, but they will need to continue resting. The time needed to recover and return to usual activities varies from person to person.
For more information on these next stages, visit Treatment and rehabilitation.
Sarah's story
Four days before her 11th birthday, Sarah fell seriously ill with what turned out to be meningitis, causing the youngster to sustain a brain injury that was to leave her wheelchair-bound with long-term partial paralysis in her limbs.
Today, Sarah is an ambassador for Headway Guernsey and, while she still faces daily challenges as a result of her injury, she rekindled her passion for sport as part of her rehabilitation, and she has gone on to compete - and win - national swimming and cycling competitions.
Find out more about Sarah's story.
