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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffMeningitis is an inflammation of the membranes (meninges) surrounding your brain and spinal cord, usually due to the spread of an infection. The swelling associated with meningitis often triggers the "hallmark" signs and symptoms of this condition, including headache, fever and a stiff neck in anyone over the age of 2.
Most cases of meningitis are caused by a viral infection, but bacterial and fungal infections also can lead to meningitis. Depending on the cause of the infection, meningitis can resolve on its own in a couple of weeks — or it can be a life-threatening emergency.
If you suspect that you or someone in your family has meningitis, seek medical care right away. Early treatment can prevent serious complications.
- Meningitis questions & answers. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/about/faq.html. Accessed June 8, 2010.
- Tunkel AR. Clinical features and diagnosis of acute bacterial meningitis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 1, 2010.
- Meningitis and encephalitis fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/encephalitis_meningitis/detail_encephalitis_meningitis.htm. Accessed June 8, 2010.
- Johnson RP. Aseptic meningitis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 8, 2010.
- Meningococcal vaccines: What you need to know. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-mening.pdf. Accessed June 8, 2010.
- FDA approves the first vaccine to prevent meningococcal disease in infants and toddlers. FDA. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm252392.htm. Accessed April 27, 2011.
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