Meningitis & Encephalitis

• what type of bacteria is meningitis mostly due to?

  bacterial infection
• two inflammation of the CNS disease

  - meningitis

  - encephalitis
• what type of bacteria is encephalitis mostly due to?

  viral infection
• what is meningitis?


  inflammation of the meninges that surround the brain and the spinal cord
• symptoms of meningitis


  - fever

  - headache

  - stiff neck

  - vomiting

  - rash
• what age are half of meningitis cases?

  under 5s (babies and toddlers)
• 3 high risk groups of meningitis

  - under 5s

  - university students

  - age 15-19

  - over 55s
• 3 types of meningitis

  bacterial, viral, fungal
• Which type of meningitis is most common?

  viral
• Which type of meningitis is least common?

  fungal
• bacterial meningitis


  - extremely serious illness, required immediate medical attention

  - if not treated quickly can lead to death within hours or permanent brain damage
• viral meningitis


  - most common

  - less serious

  - less likely to have permanent brain damage

  - most recover completely
• fungal meningitis


  - least common

  - rare in healthy people

  - most likely to occur in someone that has an impaired immune system for eg AIDS
• treatment of bacterial meningitis

  IV antibiotics

  - steroids may be given to reduce swelling

  - life support equipment and intravenous fluids (to help support the body as it recovers)
• how long does it take to recover from bacterial meningitis with treatment?

  10 to 14 days : partial treatment

  several weeks or months for full recovery
• treatment of viral meningitis


  does not require treatment
• how long does it take to recover from viral meningitis?

  within 14 days (no treatment needed)
• treatment of fungal meningitis

  anti-fungal medicines
• prevention of meningitis


  - meningitis C vaccination as part of NHS childhood vaccination

  - booster jab given to 12-13 year olds