Meningitis; meningococcal

Alternative names:

meningococcal meningitis

Treatment:

Antimicrobial therapy must be started immediately. Penicillin is prescribed and is given intravenously for this disease. Intravenous mannitol can be used to treat the complications arising from the increased intracerebral pressure. Sometimes systemic corticosteroids are used.

Expectations (prognosis):

The death rate ranges from 5% to 15%; with young children and adults over 50 having the highest death rate.

Complications:

• arthritis
• shock
• increased intracerebral pressure
• myocarditis
• hydrocephalus
• accumulation of fluid under the outer membrane of the brain and spinal chord (subdural)
• deafness
• paralysis of various muscles
• mental retardation

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you notice symptoms of meningitis, if symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop. Meningitis can become life-threatening.