Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Causes of meningitis: bacteria, viruses, TB and fungi, how germs reach the brain coverings and who is at risk.
Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes (meninges) that cover the brain and spinal cord. It is usually caused by an infection. Some causes are life-threatening and need emergency treatment.
Bacterial causes (the most dangerous)
Viral causes
Enteroviruses, mumps, herpes viruses, measles and others. Viral meningitis is usually milder and often clears without specific treatment.
Fungal and other causes
Fungi such as Cryptococcus affect mainly people with weak immunity, such as in HIV. Rarely, parasites, some medicines, cancer and autoimmune disease can cause meningitis that is not infectious.
How germs reach the brain coverings
How some germs spread
Meningococcus and pneumococcus spread through coughs, sneezes, kissing and close living, such as in hostels and crowded homes.
Risk factors
Age under 5 and over 60, missed vaccines, weak immunity, no spleen, crowded living, recent head injury.
Ayurvedic view
Classical texts describe fever with head and neck stiffness under Shiroabhighata and Jwara-related conditions. This is a traditional framework and cannot replace emergency care.
Key point
Meningitis has many causes, and only a hospital can tell them apart.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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