Causes of Meningitis

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)

• Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus)
• Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus)
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), now much less common in vaccinated children
• Group B Streptococcus and E. coli in newborn babies
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis: tuberculous meningitis, a serious cause in India

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

• Through the blood from an infection elsewhere
• From ear, sinus or throat infections
• After a head injury, skull fracture or brain surgery

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.