Meningitis is a serious condition and if you get it when you’re older, you’re at higher risk of complications.
“Meningitis is uncommon, but it’s a medical emergency. It is inflammation of the lining of the spinal cord or brain, usually due to an infection,” said Julia Cremer, MD, a geriatric medicine specialist with Banner – University Medicine.
Meningitis gets its name because it affects the membranes around the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges. There are three main types of meningitis:
- Viral meningitis: This is the most common type. It’s often caused by enteroviruses and is usually less severe than other types.
- Bacterial meningitis: This type is usually more serious. Meningitis caused by a bacterial infection usually needs treatment with antibiotics immediately.
- Fungal meningitis: This type is less common but sometimes people with weakened immune systems get it.
Why older adults are at greater risk
“Older adults may be at higher risk for meningitis due to chronic complex medical conditions, as well as a weakened immune response,” Dr. Cremer said.
If you have conditions such as diabetes, cancer or HIV, you may have a higher risk of infections, including meningitis. Plus, as you age, your immune system becomes less effective at fighting infections.
If you’re older you’re also more likely to live in a health care setting like a nursing home or go to the hospital frequently. Those situations also increase meningitis risk in seniors, since they mean you’re more likely to come into contact with the bacteria or viruses that cause the illness.
Recognizing meningitis symptoms in older adults
The symptoms of meningitis can be hard to spot in older adults, since they may not always show the typical signs. Common symptoms include:
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Nausea or vomiting
However, in seniors, meningitis can also cause more subtle symptoms including:
- Confusion or disorientation
- Fatigue or extreme drowsiness
- Sensitivity to light
- Seizures or loss of consciousness, in severe cases
“Older adults are more likely to experience confusion as a symptom and less likely to mount a high fever than a younger adult,” Dr. Cremer said.
If you notice any of these signs, especially a sudden, severe headache, stiff neck, rapid confusion, seizure or loss of consciousness, it's important to seek medical care right away.
These symptoms require immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preventing life-threatening complications, so don’t wait to get medical care.
How meningitis is diagnosed and treated
If your provider suspects meningitis, they may recommend these tests:
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to collect a sample of spinal fluid to check for infection.
- Blood tests to check for bacteria, viruses or fungi.
- CT or MRI scans to rule out other conditions and check for complications.
If you’re diagnosed with meningitis, care for older adults depends on the type:
- Bacterial meningitis: Intravenous (IV) antibiotics and sometimes steroids to reduce inflammation. “If meningitis is identified, it is important to start antibiotics within hours of developing symptoms,” Dr. Cremer said.
- Viral meningitis: Supportive care, such as rest and fluids, since antibiotics don’t work against viruses.
- Fungal meningitis: Antifungal medications.
Your care team will also monitor any other health conditions you have in case treatment affects them or they impact your condition.
Meningitis prevention tips for seniors
These tips may help reduce the risk of meningitis in older adults:
- Vaccination: Vaccines can prevent some types of meningitis. “Older adults can protect themselves from a common cause of meningitis, which is the bacteria that causes pneumonia, by getting the pneumonia vaccine,” Dr. Cremer said. The meningococcal vaccine is also recommended for seniors, especially those who have weakened immune systems.
- Good hygiene: Practicing regular handwashing and avoiding close contact with people who are sick can help prevent viral meningitis.
- Regular health check-ups: Keeping up with regular medical visits can help manage chronic conditions that might increase the risk of meningitis.
Ask your provider which vaccines are right for you and what other steps you can take to lower your risk.
Recovery and long-term care after meningitis
“Recovery for older adults after meningitis will vary widely. People who are active and healthy going into this illness will be more likely to have a quick recovery. Unfortunately, meningitis can be fatal and it can cause long-term problems in the brain,” Dr. Cremer said.
Some older adults may have long-term effects such as:
- Memory loss
- Fatigue or weakness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Hearing or vision problems
If meningitis has caused lasting health issues, rehabilitation and follow-up care can help you regain function and improve your quality of life:
- Physical therapy can help you regain motor skills.
- Speech therapy can help with eating, swallowing and communicating.
- Counseling can help manage emotional effects.
The bottom line
Meningitis can be a serious and life-threatening condition, especially for older adults. Recognizing the symptoms early, understanding the risks and getting care right away is key to preventing serious side effects.
“If you or a family member of any age develop a fever with confusion, this always warrants a 911 call or prompt trip to the emergency room,” Dr. Cremer said.
If you’re concerned about meningitis or other health issues that affect older adults, contact Banner Health for expert care and support. We’re committed to caring for seniors with advanced diagnostic tools and treatment approaches to tackle serious conditions like meningitis.
