Fungal Meningitis

What is it?

Fungal meningitis (men-in-JEYE-tis) is an infection that causes swelling and irritation around the brain and spinal cord. Most people get better with treatment, but for others, fungal meningitis can be a very serious or even fatal illness.

What causes fungal meningitis?

This infection is caused by a fungus (yeast-like germ) that lives in soil (dirt). Anyone can get fungal meningitis. It is not easily spread from person to person. You may be more likely to get meningitis if you have other medical problems, such as diabetes, cancer, or HIV. You are also more likely to get it if you take certain medicines over a long period of time.

What are the signs and symptoms of fungal meningitis?

You may have one or more of the following signs or symptoms:

• Very bad headache.
  
  
• High body temperature (fever).
  
  
• Nausea (upset stomach) and vomiting (throwing up).
  
  
• Stiff neck.
  
  
• Pain in your eyes when looking into bright lights.
  
  
• Sleepiness, irritated or upset feelings, or confusion.
  
  
• Hallucinations (seeing things that are not really there).

How is fungal meningitis treated?

You should be checked, tested, and treated by a caregiver as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage. You will be put in the hospital for tests. These tests may include blood tests, a lumbar puncture (spinal tap), CT scans and X-rays. You may have one or more of the following treatments:

• Anti-fungal medicine: This medicine helps to kill the fungus causing your infection. You may need to keep taking this medicine to stop the fungus from coming back. Some other medicines cannot be taken with anti-fungal medicine. Tell your caregiver if you are taking other medicines, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.

• Anti-nausea medicine: This medicine may be given to calm your stomach and stop vomiting (throwing up).
  
  
• Steroids: This medicine decreases redness, pain, and swelling caused by your infection or your anti-fungal medicine.

• Acetaminophen: This medicine is used to decrease pain and lower a high body temperature (fever). Taking too much acetaminophen can hurt your liver. Read labels so that you know the active ingredients in each medicine that you take. Talk to your caregiver before taking more than one medicine that contains acetaminophen. Ask your caregiver before taking over-the-counter medicine if you are also taking pain medicine prescribed (ordered) for you. Fever medicine: This medicine helps lower an increased body temperature (fever). Some examples are acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Follow your caregiver's directions for taking this medicine.
  
  

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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