Meningitis Treatment Options - OmniMedicalSearch.com

Conditions & Diseases: Brain & Nervous System

Meningitis

Treatment Options

Viral Meningitis: Antibiotics are ineffective against viral meningitis and Tylenol (Acetaminophen) is recommended in mild cases to reduce fever.

"Home care is only recommended if the person has mild viral meningitis, which can only be determined by a spinal tap. If the doctor determines that the person is suffering from mild viral meningitis, medications may be needed for control of headache and fever. This is often accomplished with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or stronger pain medications. Antibiotics are not helpful for viral meningitis."(5)

Bacteria Meningitis: In case of bacterial meningitis, following line of treatment is given:

IV fluids are given
Heart is monitored with the help of heart monitor
Antibiotics and steroids are given intravenously. Steroids may reduce immune reaction and brain swelling.
In extreme cases, a breathing tube is necessary.
Medications are given to improve blood pressure and halt seizures.
A catheter is used to check hydration (5).
A number of antibiotics such as penicillin, ampicillin, chloramphenicol and ceftriaxone are used to treat the disease (4).
Children are treated with corticosteroids such as dexamethasone (18).
Non-infectious chronic meningitis (sarcoidosis) is treated with corticosteroids such as prednisone sold with a trade name Deltasone and Meticorten.
Chronic meningitis caused due to fungal infection is treated with Amphotericin B, Flucytosine and Fluconazole. When the infection is difficult to cure Amphotericin B is used in combination with Flucytosine to treat (20).

Article by Kona Vishnu, MS
Medical Writer,
OmniMedicalSearch.com