Meningitis Directory

Meningitis is a term used to describe an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain or the spinal cord. Bacterial meningitis is a potentially life-threatening condition that can rapidly progress to permanent brain damage, hearing loss, and neurologic problems. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, and mental disorientation. The highest incidence of meningitis is between birth and 2 years. The childhood Hib, meningococcal, pneumococcal, MMR, and varicella vaccines prevent many of the diseases that lead to meningitis, and there is a meningitis vaccine that is recommended for teens. Viral meningitis is less serious than bacterial meningitis; it shares symptoms with the common flu and can be treated at home. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how meningitis is contracted, its symptoms, how it is prevented, treated, and much more.