A disease that is fatal but rarely talked about is meningitis, which can be described as acute or chronic inflammation of the meninges membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The disease looks deceptively simple. It may start off with a bout of flu with fever and chills but can turn life-threatening within hours.
As October 5 is designated as World Meningitis Day, Dr Chandana R. Gowda, Consultant – Neurology, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bengaluru, urges people to recognise the early warning signs, seek timely care, and remember that prevention through vaccines and hygiene is still the strongest defence.
In this interview, Dr Gowda delves into detail and explains why children, the elderly, and immunocompromised people are most vulnerable and how families and schools can play a vital role in awareness and prevention. Edited excerpts…
Meningitis often starts with symptoms similar to the flu or viral fever. What are the warning signs that patients and families should never overlook?
The initial symptoms will be very similar to the flu—fever, chills, and headache. But if it is associated with recurrent vomiting, insensitivity to light (photophobia), confusion (altered sensorium), repeated vomiting, and neck stiffness or severe neck pain and rigidity, these are red flag signs. That is when they should meet their doctor immediately.
How quickly can meningitis affect the brain and nervous system if left untreated?
It can be within a few hours, even 2 days. It depends on how severe the infection is and the immunity level of the person. Infants less than 5–6 months of age, the elderly, or those who are immunocompromised, especially with HIV infection, cancer treatment, or long-term steroid use, are more vulnerable. In such people, the rate of infection progression is quite fast.
For someone recovering from meningitis, what lifestyle changes or precautions are most important to protect their brain health in the long run?
The first thing is immunisation, which is very important to prevent meningitis. Children and adolescents are the main age groups where vaccination is recommended. Meningitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or rarely fungi. There are specific vaccines for bacterial meningtitis meningococcal, pneumococcal, and Haemophilus influenzae B. Other important steps are maintaining personal hygiene, not using personal items of an infected person, and washing hands regularly. A healthy diet and good exercise also contribute to good brain health.
Many survivors deal with fatigue, memory issues, headaches. What advice do you have for patients and caregivers to manage these daily challenges?
We call these residual symptoms. Post-meningitis, these can persist for days, weeks, or even longer. If the infection is caught early and treated effectively, complications reduce. For lingering symptoms like headaches, symptomatic treatment such as paracetamol can be given. Recovery is usually gradual. Patients should stay active physically and mentally to aid recovery.
Is hearing loss a known complication? Should survivors get regular neurological and ENT checkups after recovery?
Yes, bacterial infections, especially Streptococcus pneumonia, can lead to sensory-neural hearing loss. Early and effective treatment can prevent hearing loss to a large extent. Kids and the elderly are more prone. Regular ENT checkups after recovery help identify hearing loss. In severe cases, cochlear implants may help.
Is it true that vaccines for certain types of meningitis are available, but not widely known?
Yes, the most common bacterial infections – Streptococcus, Neisseria meningitis (meningococcus), Haemophilus influenzae, are covered in vaccination schedules. Parents should consult pediatricians and follow schedules. For the meningococcal vaccine, the first dose is around 11–12 years with a booster at 16 years. Adults traveling to endemic countries can also take these vaccines.
How can families and schools build better awareness so that meningitis is recognised and treated faster?
They can maintain vaccination cards for children, ensure schedules are up-to-date, and catch-up vaccines are taken if missed. Teach children about hand hygiene and self-hygiene. In dorms or large gatherings, infection risk is higher, so awareness should focus on hygiene and regular pediatrician visits to prevent meningitis.
Antibiotic resistance is a growing issue. How does that complicate bacterial meningitis and how do we deal with that?
Antibiotic resistance develops when patients take antibiotics unnecessarily, even for simple viral infections like cough and cold. If strong antibiotics are given without need, bugs develop resistance. Antibiotics must be administered only when absolutely necessary and recommended.
What are some of the latest medical advancements that are improving survival rates and recovery?
The first is better identification of infection. Throat swabs, nose swabs, and even stool tests can identify pathogens, making treatment easier. For amoebic meningitis, seen in untreated fresh water, newer treatments like miltefosine are available. Though mortality is high, such drugs reduce the risk.
WHO has set a goal to defeat meningitis by 2030. From your perspective as a neurologist, what steps should India prioritise to reach that target?
Vaccination is the most important. Children, adolescents, the elderly, and immunocompromised people must be prioritized. Maintaining hygiene, avoiding untreated fresh water, and following healthy diet and exercise routines are also critical steps.
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
