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. Many people have died recently in the 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 meningitis is Cryptococcus. Anyone can get fungal meningitis. But, people with weak immune systems are more likely to get it. Other fungi 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 the neck
Nausea
vomiting
New weakness or numbness in any part of the body
Photophobia or Sensitivity to light
Altered mental status
Slurred speech
Dizziness
Confusion

When to make an appointment with a 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

The 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 a 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

The 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 the following steps which are 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.