Meningitis is inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and sp inal cord, known collectively as the meninges.

[1] The inflammation may be caused by infection with viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms, and less commonly by certain drugs.[2] Meningitis can be life-threatening because of the inflamma tion's proximity to the brain and spinal cord; therefore the condition is classi fied as a medical emergency.[1][3] The most common symptoms of meningitis are headache and neck stiffness associate d with fever, confusion or altered consciousness, vomiting, and an inability to tolerate light (photophobia) or loud noises (phonophobia). Sometimes, especially in small children, only nonspecific symptoms may be present, such as irritabili ty and drowsiness. If a rash is present, it may indicate a particular cause of m eningitis; for instance, meningitis caused by meningococcal bacteria may be acco mpanied by a characteristic rash.[1][4] A lumbar puncture may be used to diagnose or exclude meningitis. This involves i nserting a needle into the spinal canal to extract a sample of cerebrospinal flu id (CSF), the fluid that envelops the brain and spinal cord. The CSF is then exa mined in a medical laboratory.[3] The usual treatment for meningitis is the prom pt administration of antibiotics and sometimes antiviral drugs. In some situatio ns, corticosteroid drugs can also be used to prevent complications from excessiv e inflammation.[3][4] Meningitis can lead to serious long-term consequences such as deafness, epilepsy, hydrocephalus and cognitive deficits, especially if not treated quickly.[1][4] Some forms of meningitis (such as those associated with m eningococci, Haemophilus influenzae type B, pneumococci or mumps virus infection s) may be prevented by immunization.[1]