Meningococcal Meningitis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Meningococcal meningitis is an infection of the membranes (meninges) that cover the brain and spinal cord. Caused by the type of bacteria known as Neisseria meningitidis, it is one of the most serious forms of meningitis because it develops so rapidly. Children under one year of age are the most vulnerable to the infection. There are approximately 3,000 cases of meningococcal meningitis in the United States each year, and between 10 percent and 13 percent prove fatal.

Causes

Meningococcal bacteria thrive in the nose and throat, and can travel in droplets expelled into the air, as well as through close contact such as kissing. The infection is most likely to spread in areas where a group is in constant proximity, such as barracks and boarding schools. Once the bacteria have established a foothold on the membranes surrounding the brain, they trigger inflammation severe enough to cut off the blood supply and cause swelling in the brain.

Signs/Symptoms

Bacterial meningitis, including the meningococcal variety, may start with a sore throat. This is soon followed by fever, headache, a stiff and painful neck, vomiting, and an intolerance to light. Within as little as 24 hours, confusion, drowsiness, paralysis, seizures, and coma may set in.

This disorder is more difficult to recognize in infants. Possible tip-offs include unexplained fever, irritability, vomiting, seizures, and bulges at the gaps where the skull bones meet. Children under the age of one year may not develop the stiff neck that sounds a clear warning in older kids.

Care

Treatment with intravenous antibiotics is needed as quickly as possible. Steroid medications are sometimes given to relieve inflammation and swelling. Those who have been in contact with an infected person are given protective doses of an antibiotic for a couple of days.

There is a vaccine that protects against meningococcal meningitis, but it is normally given only to close groups in which an epidemic is feared. Because outbreaks are more common in some areas overseas, be sure to find out if the vaccine is recommended when you're planning a trip.

Risks

Immediate treatment is crucial. The infection can quickly lead to septic shock (dangerously low blood pressure), brain damage, deafness, permanent mental impairment, and chronic seizures.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

If symptoms match the warning signs of this disease, seek medical help without delay. THIS IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. If necessary, call 911 or 0 (operator) to get to the nearest hospital or clinic.

IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE HOSPITAL...

What to Expect While You're There

You may encounter the following procedures and equipment during your stay:

• Vital Signs: These include your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and respiration. A stethoscope is used to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is taken by wrapping a cuff around your arm. These tests may be performed hourly.
• IV: A tube placed in your vein for giving medications, such as antibiotics and liquids. It will either be capped or have tubing connected to it.
• CT Scan: Computerized axial tomography, also know as a CAT scan or CT scan, supplies the doctor with x-rays of the brain that help to rule out other causes such as an abscess or skull fracture.
• MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging is another way of assessing inflammation and swelling in the brain. For these pictures, you must lie on a narrow bed that slides into the scanner.
• Spinal Tap: To get a sample of the spinal fluid for testing, a small, hollow needle is inserted into the lower part of the spinal canal. The sample will be analyzed for the cause of infection.
• Medicines
  • Antibiotics: To fight infection.
  • Steroids: To reduce inflammation.
• Electroencephalogram (EEG): This measurement of the brain's electrical activity is taken with tiny wires (electrodes) attached to the head with paste.
• Pulse Oximeter: This is a clip placed on your ear, finger, or toe and connected to a machine that measures the oxygen in your blood.
• Neuro Signs: To check for potential brain damage, the doctor will examine your eyes for responsiveness, test your memory, and see how easily you can be awakened.
• Blood: Samples are taken from a vein in the hand or the bend in the elbow to be used for testing. The level of oxygen dissolved in the blood will also be evaluated, so additional samples may be drawn from the wrist, elbow, or groin.

Return to top