Meningitis and Encephalitis
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What are Meningitis and Encephalitis?Is there any treatment?What is the prognosis?What research is being done?OrganizationsPublicaciones en Español
Additional resources from MEDLINEplus
What are Meningitis and Encephalitis?
Meningitis and encephalitis are inflammatory diseases of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord and are caused
by bacterial or viral infections. Viral meningitis is sometimes called aseptic meningitis to indicate it is not the result
of bacterial infection and cannot be treated with antibiotics. Symptoms of encephalitis include sudden fever, headache, vomiting,
heightened sensitivity to light, stiff neck and back, confusion and impaired judgment, drowsiness, weak muscles, a clumsy
and unsteady gait, and irritability. Symptoms that might require emergency treatment include loss of consciousness, seizures,
muscle weakness, or sudden severe dementia.
Symptoms of meningitis, which may appear suddenly, often include high fever, severe and persistent headache, stiff neck, nausea,
and vomiting. Changes in behavior such as confusion, sleepiness, and difficulty waking up may also occur. In infants, symptoms
of meningitis may include irritability or fatigue, lack of appetite, and fever. Viral meningitis usually resolves in 10 days
or less, but other types of meningitis can be deadly if not treated promptly. Anyone experiencing symptoms of meningitis or
encephalitis should see a doctor immediately.
Is there any treatment?
Antiviral medications may be prescribed for herpes encephalitis or other severe viral infections. Antibiotics may be prescribed
for bacterial infections. Anticonvulsants are used to prevent or treat seizures. Corticosteroids are used to reduce brain
swelling and inflammation. Sedatives may be needed for irritability or restlessness. Over-the-counter medications may be used
for fever and headache. Individuals with encephalitis or bacterial meningitis are usually hospitalized for treatment.
What is the prognosis?
The prognosis for encephalitis varies. Some cases are mild, short and relatively benign and patients have full recovery. Other
cases are severe, and permanent impairment or death is possible. The acute phase of encephalitis may last for 1 to 2 weeks,
with gradual or sudden resolution of fever and neurological symptoms. Neurological symptoms may require many months before
full recovery. With early diagnosis and prompt treatment, most patients recover from meningitis. However, in some cases, the
disease progresses so rapidly that death occurs during the first 48 hours, despite early treatment.
What research is being done?
The NINDS supports and conducts research on infections and diseases of the brain and nervous system including encephalitis
and meningitis. Much of this research is aimed at learning more about the cause(s), prevention, and treatment of these disorders.
More info
Select this link
to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
Organizations
Meningitis Foundation of America, Inc.
6610 Shadeland Station
Suite 200
Indianapolis,
IN
46220
support@musa.org
http://www.musa.org
Tel: 800-668-1129
317-595-6395
Fax: 317-595-6370
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National Meningitis Association
738 Robinson Farms Drive
Marietta,
GA
30068
support@nmaus.org
http://www.nmaus.org
Tel: 866-FONE-NMA (366-3662)
Fax: 877-703-6096
|
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases (NIAID)
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
6610 Rockledge Drive, MSC 6612
Bethesda,
MD
20892-6612
http://www.niaid.nih.gov
Tel: 301-496-5717
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Publicaciones en Español
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Meningitis y EncefalitisInformación del meningitis y encefalitisdel Instituto Nacional de Trastornos Neurológicos y Accidentes Cerebrovasculares/Spanish-language
fact sheet on autism compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by
or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice
on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined
that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
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Last updated July 13, 2007
