Fungal Meningitis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Causes

Signs/Symptoms

Care

Risks

IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE HOSPITAL...

What to Expect While You're There

• Activity: You will rest in bed in a darkened room. You may not be allowed to have certain visitors if it is felt that you could catch a cold from them or they could catch your infection.
• Taking Vital Signs: These include your temperature, blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is taken by wrapping a cuff around your arm.
• Pulse Oximeter: If you need to take oxygen, you may also be hooked up to a pulse oximeter (ox-IM-ih-ter). It is placed on your ear, finger, or toe and is connected to a machine that measures the oxygen in your blood.
• Neuro Signs: The doctor will check your memory and your eyes, and see how easily you awaken. These are important signs that show how well your brain is handling the infection.
• Blood: Usually taken from a vein in your hand or from the bend in your elbow. Tests will be done on the blood.
• Blood Gases: Blood is taken from an artery in your wrist, elbow, or groin. It is tested for its oxygen content.
• Chest X-ray: This picture of your lungs and heart shows how well they are handling the illness.
• Lumbar (LUM-bar) Puncture: (Also called a spinal tap.) Fluid is taken from your spine and is sent for tests.
• Body fluid cultures: Blood, urine, throat, and nose fluids may be tested to help your doctor decide which medicine to give you.
• CT Scan: (Also called a ""CAT'' scan.) This computerized x-ray may be used to take pictures of your brain.
• IV: A tube placed in your vein for giving medicine or liquids. It will be capped or have tubing connected to it.
• ECG: Also called a heart monitor, an electrocardiograph (e-LEK-tro-CAR-dee-o-graf), or EKG. Patches on your chest are hooked up to a TV-type screen or a small portable box (telemetry unit). This screen shows a tracing of each heartbeat.
• Medicines:
  • Anti-Fungal medicine to kill the infection may be given in your IV or by mouth.
  • Pain medicine may be given in your IV, as a shot, or by mouth. If the pain does not go away or comes back, tell a doctor right away.
  • Fever medicine such as acetaminophen will be given by mouth or in your rectum to bring your temperature down.
  • Anti-nausea medicine may be given to get rid of your nausea and control your vomiting so that you don't lose too much body fluid (become dehydrated).

After You Leave

• If you are still taking anti-fungal medicine, continue to take it until it is all gone, even if you feel well. If you stop treatment too soon, some of the fungus may survive and give you a second bout of the illness.
• If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.
• If you feel a medication is not helping, call your doctor. Do not quit taking it on your own.
• No special diet is needed. Just drink about 6 to 8 glasses (soda-can sized) of water a day, even if you don't feel like it. Do not drink alcohol.
• Eat healthy foods and get lots of rest.
• If you still have headaches, rest in a dark, quiet room.
• When you feel better, you may start your normal activities again.
• For protection against other likely infections, get shots for flu and pneumonia. Stay away from anyone who has an infection.
• Wash your hands after going to the bathroom and before eating to keep from spreading germs.

Call Your Doctor If...

• You have new symptoms, such as a rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing, that started after you began taking a medicine. You may be allergic to the drug.
• You develop a high temperature while you are taking medicine.

Seek Care Immediately If...

• Your symptoms come back or someone else in the family develops them.
• You or someone in your family becomes confused or difficult to wake up, or has a high temperature.
• You or someone in your family has seizures.