Meningitis: Treatments

How is meningitis treated?                                                    

Treatment of meningitis varies depending on the type of meningitis, your age, and other factors. General treatment of all forms of meningitis includes:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and other medications for pain and fever

• Close monitoring and possibly treatment of people who have had close contact with a person with meningitis, even if there are no symptoms

• Fluid administration by mouth or intravenously

• Rest

Treatment of acute bacterial meningitis

Acute bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency, because it can rapidly result in permanent, serious complications and death within days. Treatment includes:

• Hospitalization, generally in an intensive care setting

• Immediate administration of intravenous antibiotics

• Intensive monitoring for and treatment of potential complications, such as brain swelling, seizures, and coma. Life support measures may also be necessary.

Treatment of viral meningitis

Some types of viral meningitis are treated with antiviral drugs. Antibiotics are generally not given because they are not effective in treating viral meningitis. However, in some cases, antibiotics may be administered as a precaution if the type of meningitis cannot be determined quickly or if it is suspected that the meningitis is due to a bacterial infection.

What are the possible complications of meningitis?

Meningitis, especially acute bacterial meningitis, can lead to serious and life-threatening complications. In some cases death can occur in a matter of days. You can help minimize your risk of complications by following the treatment plan you and your health care professional design specifically for you. Complications of meningitis include:

• Coma

• Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a blood-clotting disorder

• Encephalitis

• Kidney failure

• Permanent neurological damage, such as blindness, hearing loss, brain damage, or paralysis

• Seizures