Medical information for patients

Meningitis

Meningitis is an infection of the covering layers of the brain (meninges). Meningitis can be caused by various sorts of infection, with a virus, with bacteria, and even with fungi.

Symptoms

The patient usually begins to feel vaguely unwell and may develop a headache and a raised temperature (fever). There may also be vomiting. Unfortunately many ordinary germs start in this way, and certain other features can help to alert us to the possibility of meningitis.

It is important not to be over anxious, but if in doubt it is better to consult your doctor. More suspicious symptoms include:

Occasionally, in meningococcal meningitis, diarrhoea or a rash occur. Sometimes a fit or seizure may take place.

The rash

If there is a rash it is worth trying the "glass test" as you may have seen on the television. This involves pressing a glass tumbler against the rash to see if the red spots disappear under pressure. The rash of meningococcal meningitis does not disappear on application of pressure.

What to do

If in doubt about a child or other member of the family, it is better to call the doctor and do mention your concerns to the doctor or his answering service. If the doctor has been consulted, but the patient seems to be deteriorating rapidly in a way not predicted by the doctor, it is worth ringing again.

Should your doctor consider that this is a case of meningitis he is likely to give an injection of penicillin and arrange emergency admission to hospital.

Prevention

People who have been in contact with a confirmed case of meningitis will be offered treatment to protect them. This will mean antibiotic tablets, possibly with the addition of an injection if the infection is the sort for which there is a vaccine. It is likely that the public health doctors will arrange this, but if you are in doubt, ask your doctor.

If prospective students have not received a meningitis vaccination, they should check with their doctor in good time, so that they can have the vaccination, if that is required, before they enjoy their long summer holiday.

Students living in communal residences should be aware of the above symptoms in themselves or their friends, and call the doctor or student health service if worried.

Further information


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