Meningitis, free of infection-causing germs: Recognizing signs, triggers, and remedies
Noninfectious meningitis is a type of meningitis that does not result from a viral or bacterial infection. Unlike its infectious counterpart, noninfectious meningitis is caused by conditions other than infectious agents like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.
Common causes include autoimmune diseases, such as sarcoidosis, malignancies like meningeal carcinomatosis and meningeal leukemia, and certain medications such as NSAIDs and sulfa drugs. A head injury or prior brain surgery can also contribute to the development of noninfectious meningitis.
Symptoms of noninfectious meningitis are similar to those of infectious meningitis and include fever, headache, neck stiffness, nausea, and sometimes neurological symptoms depending on the severity. Because these symptoms overlap with infectious forms, diagnosis usually depends on clinical history, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and ruling out infectious causes.
Managing noninfectious meningitis focuses on treating the underlying cause. For autoimmune-related meningitis, corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs are commonly used to control inflammation. In the case of meningitis associated with malignancies, treatment targets the primary tumor and may include chemotherapy or radiation. If the meningitis is drug-induced, discontinuation of the offending medication is crucial.
Chemical meningitis, a type of noninfectious meningitis, can be caused by certain substances or medications, benign brain tumor ruptures, or contrast dyes used during X-ray tests. People with chemical meningitis may not require treatment to resolve the condition, but they may require steroid therapy to reduce inflammation and surgery to remove any tumors.
Malignant or carcinomatous meningitis, a rare type of noninfectious meningitis caused by cancer that has spread to the central nervous system, is treated by addressing the underlying cancer with chemotherapy.
Seeking early treatment for meningitis means a person has the best chance of a positive outlook. It's essential to remember that noninfectious meningitis is not preventable through vaccines or good personal hygiene, unlike infectious meningitis, which is treated with antibiotics.
In summary, noninfectious meningitis can arise from autoimmune disorders, cancer metastases, and drug reactions, presenting with typical meningitis symptoms. Management focuses on treating the underlying disorder and reducing inflammation. If you experience any symptoms of meningitis, it's crucial to seek urgent medical attention, as early treatment can significantly improve the chances of a favourable outcome.
[1] Source: UpToDate (2021). Noninfectious meningitis. [2] Source: Mayo Clinic (2021). Meningitis.
- Neurological symptoms may occur in individuals with noninfectious meningitis, depending on the severity of the condition, which is a type of meningitis that occurs due to causes other than infectious agents like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.
- In cases of autoimmune-related noninfectious meningitis, corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs are commonly used to control inflammation in the brain.
- Malignant or carcinomatous meningitis, a rare type of noninfectious meningitis caused by cancer that has spread to the central nervous system, is treated by addressing the underlying cancer with chemotherapy.
- Chemical meningitis, a type of noninfectious meningitis, can be caused by certain substances, benign brain tumor ruptures, or contrast dyes used during X-ray tests, and people with this condition may need steroid therapy or surgery to reduce inflammation and remove tumors, respectively.
- Contrary to infectious meningitis, noninfectious meningitis cannot be prevented through vaccines or good personal hygiene, making early treatment crucial for improving the chances of a favorable outcome in health and wellness, as well as mental health, which can be affected by neurological disorders such as meningitis.
