Treatment
Hospitalization, in a majority of cases, depends on the type of meningitis.
If you are suffering from viral meningitis, treatment is typically less aggressive and revolve around the measures to make you more comfortable. In many cases, viral meningitis may resolve on its own, however, some cases need intravenous antiviral medications for complete resolution. Viral meningitis can be easily treated at home with over the counter pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Parasitic meningitis is also less severe than a bacterial one. Depending on the parasite involved, this meningitis may get better without antibiotic treatment. Most physicians may only treat the symptoms, however, If it worsens, your physician may treat the infection itself.
When it comes to treating bacterial or fungal meningitis, hospitalization for either a short period of observation or a longer period is must in most moderate to severe cases. Potentially life-threatening cases are often admitted to the intensive-care unit. Care of bacterial and fungal meningitis starts by making sure that your blood pressure and breathing are adequate. The usual course of treatment for bacterial meningitis include;
Insertion of an IV line to give fluids
Placement of a heart monitor
Administration of intravenous antibiotics
In some cases, steroids may also be given to decrease the severity of the infection. If you are very ill, more aggressive treatment may be given. That includes;
Insertion of a breathing tube (intubation) to help with breathing.
Administration of larger IV lines in the groin, the neck or the chest.
Medications to prevent or treat seizures and improve blood pressure.
Placement of a tube (catheter) in the bladder to check your fluid status.
There is no definitive home remedy or over-the-counter treatment for bacterial meningitis. In most cases, it is a medical emergency that needs immediate medical care at an emergency department to determine the type of treatment. Sometimes physicians may administer sedatives for irritability or restlessness and additional medications to treat fever headaches. In severe cases of bacterial meningitis that causes high CSF pressure, a neurosurgeon may insert CSF shunt (a tube) to measure and reduce the pressure. The need for other tests and treatments and the duration of hospitalization depends on the type and the severity of symptoms of meningitis.