Meningitis is a serious illness that causes inflammation of the meninges, the membrane layers that serve as protection for your brain and spinal cord. There are different types of meningitis, however bacterial meningitis, while rarer than others, can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated right away. Here, Afaaq Siddiqui, M.D., a primary care provider at Henry Ford Health, shares how bacterial meningitis spreads and how you can protect yourself and those around you from getting sick.
How People Get Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis occurs when bacteria cause inflammation or an infection of the meninges. Often times, these bacteria get into the body and cause an upper respiratory infection before traveling by way of the bloodstream to the brain. In other cases, bacteria can infect the brain directly.
Bacterial meningitis can be highly contagious and spread from an infected person through fluids from the nose or mouth, including saliva and nasal discharge. It is often a health concern among individuals living or spending time in close contact with one other.
“People living in the same house or school dorm, or those in shared spaces such as classrooms and places of larger congregations are especially at risk,” says Dr. Siddiqui. “Even minimal contact with an infected individual through coughing or sneezing, sharing cups and eating utensils, or kissing can put you at risk of infection.”
Others at risk include:
- Infants and very young children whose immune systems are still developing
- Adults with weakened or compromised immune systems
- Unvaccinated individuals
Don’t Ignore Possible Symptoms Of Bacterial Meningitis
There are several tell-tale signs that distinguish meningitis from other common (and less deadly) health ailments like the flu or a common cold. Some symptoms to be aware of include:
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Severe headache
- Neck stiffness
- Sensitivity to light
- Vision changes
- Dizziness or confusion
If you are concerned that you have meningitis, it is important to seek medical care immediately.
“Timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious outcomes,” says Dr. Siddiqui. “Most cases of untreated bacterial meningitis result in death. Even a delayed diagnosis can cause patients to experience long-term complications including seizures and cognitive impairments.”
How Meningitis Is Diagnosed And Treated
If it is suspected that you have meningitis, your provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your most recent interactions with others to understand how you may have gotten sick. From there, several diagnostic tests are used to identify an infection of the meninges. Blood and urine samples can help identify signs of an infection. A swab of the inside of your nose or mouth can help rule out other causes of your symptoms. Most commonly, a sample of spinal fluid, called a lumbar puncture, is taken to test for the presence of bacteria.
In most cases, antibiotics are started immediately while the work up is in process. Once bacterial meningitis is diagnosed, you will continue with antibiotic treatment, but other medications and fluids may be prescribed to help reduce any inflammation, prevent seizures and keep you hydrated as your body recovers.
Protecting You And Your Family From Meningitis
The best way to prevent bacterial meningitis is to make sure you and your family are up to date on meningitis vaccines. These vaccines are formulated to protect against common strains of bacterial meningitis. Most commonly, kids are vaccinated around ages 11-12 and receive an additional booster dose at age 16. In some cases, individuals may be vaccinated sooner if they are at higher risk for infection. Adults should also consider being vaccinated if they were not vaccinated as children or are at a greater risk of infection.
Dr. Siddiqui recommends talking to your provider about your individual risk for meningitis and how you can avoid a possible infection.
Reviewed by Dr. Afaaq Siddiqui, a family medicine provider who sees patients at Henry Ford Hospital and Henry Ford Medical Center - Beck Road.
