How to Treat or Cure Meningitis

Meningitis is treated in hospital. The sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome. Suspected bacterial meningitis is a race against time.

Step 1: go to hospital immediately (112 or 102)

Fever with a stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, fits or a non-fading rash needs an ambulance or emergency department visit. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve.

Step 2: tests and first treatment

Doctors take blood cultures and often a lumbar puncture. Antibiotics are given without waiting for results when bacterial meningitis is suspected. Steroids may be added.

Step 3: treat the cause

• Bacterial: intravenous antibiotics for 7 to 21 days depending on the germ
• Viral: rest, fluids, pain relief. Aciclovir for herpes viruses.
• TB: a long course of TB medicines
• Fungal: antifungal medicines for weeks to months

Step 4: support the body

Oxygen, fluids, anti-seizure medicine, fever control and intensive care when needed.

Step 5: protect others

Contacts of meningococcal disease may need preventive antibiotics. The hospital will advise.

Step 6: recover and follow up

• Hearing test after bacterial meningitis