Fungal Meningitis Symptoms and Diagnosis

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Fungal Meningitis Symptoms and Diagnosis

What is Fungal Meningitis?

Fungal meningitis is one type of meningitis which is caused by a fungal infection. It causes inflammation of the meninges which is the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Fungal meningitis is rare and usually occurs in people with weak immune systems. But, as we can’t see the future, we don’t know when some rare microorganisms or parasites will attack us. You may know about Fungal Meningitis Outbreak 2012. Many people have died recently in united State. So, full information about Fungal meningitis is provided here for your awareness.

Fungal Meningitis Causes and How is Fungal Meningitis Spread?

The most common cause of fungal meningitisis Cryptococcus. Anyone can get fungal meningitis. But, people with weak immune systems are more likely to get it. Other fungus can also cause fungal meningitis. For details, see - How do you get Fungal Meningitis

Risk Factors of Fungal Meningitis

Following are the risk factors of Fungal Meningitis-

• High risk group - People with weak immune systems, such as AIDS or cancer

• Certain medications, and surgical procedures that weaken the immune system and leading to fungal meningitis.

• Premature babies with very low birth weights

• Pregnant women in the third trimester, may get Coccidiodes infection.

• If you live in certain areas of the United States, it may increase your risk for fungal lung infections and can also spread to the brain. For example, bird and bat droppings in the Midwestern United States may contain Histoplasma, and soil in the Southwestern United States may contain Coccidioides. If you are African American or Filipino, you are more likely to get Coccidiodes infection.

Fungal Meningitis Symptoms and Signs

Fungal meningitis symptoms and signs may include the following:

• Fever
• New or worsening Headache
• Stiff neck or pain in neck
• Nausea
• vomiting
• New weakness or numbness in any part of body
• Photophobia or Sensitivity to light
• Altered mental status
• Slurred speech
• Dizziness
• Confusion

When to make an appointment with doctor?

It is a life-threatening illness. So, if you have signs and symptoms of fungal meningitis especially stiff neck, confusion and seizure, go to a doctor immediately.

Fungal Meningitis Diagnosis

Doctor will take a medical history. He will try to find out, if you have fungal meningitis symptoms and signs or not. fungal meningitis signs may include stiff neck, fast heart rate, fever and mental status changes. He will also try to know the causes of fungal meningitis to find out the severity of illness. If meningitis is suspected, he will suggest test to confirm the fungal meningitis diagnosis. Depending on the type of fungus suspected, specific lab tests can be ordered by the doctor. Usually, samples of blood or cerebrospinal fluid (near the spinal cord) are collected and sent to a laboratory for testing.

Fungal Meningitis Complications

Patient can die, if it is not treated. Other Fungal Meningitis Complications are-

• Brain damage
• Hydrocephalus
• Hearing loss
• Seizure
• Kidney damage (Sometimes)

Fungal Meningitis Prevention

No specific activities or sources are known to cause fungal meningitis. Follow following steps which is suggested by CDC to prevent fungal meningitis-

• Avoid soil and other environments that are likely to contain fungus.
• Avoid bird droppings
• Avoid digging and dusty activities

If you have a weak immune system and/or if you live in a geographic region where fungi like Histoplasma, Coccidioides, or Blastomyces species exist, you must follow these preventive measures.