Summary about Disease
Non-infectious meningitis refers to inflammation of the meninges (membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) that is not caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. It's a serious condition requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. The causes are varied and can include underlying medical conditions, certain medications, and inflammatory diseases.
Symptoms
Symptoms are similar to infectious meningitis and can include:
Headache
Stiff neck
Fever
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Nausea and vomiting
Confusion or altered mental status
Seizures (rare)
Causes
Non-infectious meningitis can be caused by:
Certain Medications: Some drugs, like NSAIDs, certain antibiotics, and intravenous immunoglobulins, can trigger meningitis.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): An autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own tissues.
Cancer: Meningeal carcinomatosis (cancer cells spreading to the meninges).
Sarcoidosis: An inflammatory disease that can affect multiple organs, including the brain and spinal cord.
Head injury or brain surgery: Can sometimes lead to inflammatory reactions.
Vasculitis: Inflammation of blood vessels.
Multiple Sclerosis: Can have meningeal inflammation as a symptom.
Medicine Used
Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause. Medications may include:
Corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation (e.g., prednisone).
Immunosuppressants: To suppress the immune system in autoimmune-related cases (e.g., methotrexate, azathioprine).
Analgesics: For pain relief (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen).
Specific medications: Targeted to treat the underlying disease (e.g., chemotherapy for cancer).
Is Communicable
No, non-infectious meningitis is not communicable. It cannot be spread from person to person because it is not caused by an infectious agent.
Precautions
Since it's not contagious, typical infection control precautions are not necessary. Precautions depend on the underlying cause and may involve managing underlying medical conditions, avoiding triggers (like certain medications), and following a doctor's recommendations.
How long does an outbreak last?
Non-infectious meningitis does not occur in outbreaks because it is not contagious. The duration of the illness depends entirely on the underlying cause and how effectively it can be treated.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves:
Medical history and physical exam: To identify potential underlying conditions or medication use.
Lumbar puncture (spinal tap): To analyze cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In non-infectious meningitis, the CSF may show elevated white blood cells, but no bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Blood tests: To check for autoimmune markers, cancer markers, or other signs of underlying disease.
Imaging studies (MRI or CT scan): To visualize the brain and spinal cord and rule out other conditions.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause. Symptoms can develop rapidly over a few hours to days (acute onset) or gradually over weeks or months (chronic onset). The progression and severity depend on the specific underlying condition.
Important Considerations
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications.
Identifying and addressing the underlying cause is essential for successful management.
Long-term follow-up may be necessary to monitor for recurrence or complications.
Patients should be closely monitored for adverse effects of medications used to treat the underlying cause or manage symptoms.