Chronic meningitis

Chronic Meningitis
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Headache, fever, neck stiffness, neurological deficits
Complications	Hydrocephalus, cranial nerve palsies
Onset	N/A
Duration	N/A
Types	N/A
Causes	Infectious, non-infectious
Risks	N/A
Diagnosis	Lumbar puncture, MRI, CT scan
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Antibiotics, antifungal, corticosteroids
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	N/A
Deaths	N/A

Chronic meningitis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, that persists for more than four weeks. Unlike acute meningitis, which develops rapidly, chronic meningitis progresses slowly and can be caused by a variety of infectious and non-infectious factors.

Causes

Chronic meningitis can be caused by several different agents, including:

• Infectious causes:

 * Mycobacterium tuberculosis (causing tuberculous meningitis)
 * Fungal infections such as Cryptococcus neoformans
 * Spirochetes like Treponema pallidum (causing neurosyphilis)
 * Viruses such as HIV

• Non-infectious causes:

 * Autoimmune diseases like sarcoidosis
 * Neoplastic diseases such as leptomeningeal carcinomatosis
 * Chemical irritation

Symptoms

The symptoms of chronic meningitis are often subtle and develop gradually. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent headache
• Fever
• Neck stiffness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Neurological deficits such as cranial nerve palsies
• Cognitive changes

Diagnosis

Diagnosing chronic meningitis involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests:

• Lumbar puncture: Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is crucial for diagnosis. CSF analysis may show elevated protein, low glucose, and increased white blood cell count.
• Imaging studies: MRI and CT scan can help identify inflammation and other abnormalities in the central nervous system.
• Serological tests: These tests can help identify specific infectious agents or autoimmune markers.

Treatment

The treatment of chronic meningitis depends on the underlying cause:

• Infectious causes:

 * Antibiotics for bacterial infections
 * Antifungal medications for fungal infections
 * Antiviral therapy for viral infections

• Non-infectious causes:

 * Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
 * Immunosuppressive drugs for autoimmune conditions

Prognosis

The prognosis of chronic meningitis varies depending on the cause and the timeliness of treatment. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for improving outcomes.

See also

• Meningitis
• Central nervous system
• Infectious disease

External links

• CDC Meningitis Information
• World Health Organization Meningitis Fact Sheet