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What is chemical meningitis?
The meninges are a layer of protection for the brain which reduces the likelihood of damage to the brain during impact or injury. Meningitis is the infection and inflammation of the meninges, and also involving the cerebral cortex immediately adjacent to the meninges. The cortex is where all the functioning in the brain connects, so the inflammation can result in a reduction of all motor and sensory function throughout the body.
Chemical meningitis is meningeal inflammation brought about most commonly by NSAIDs and antibiotics. Click here for additional information about meningitis.
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What clinical findings (signs, symptoms,
and test results) indicate chemical meningitis?
The signs and symptoms of chemical meningitis mimic other meningitides such as fungal meningitis and viral meningitis. The primary differentiator is patient history -- has she been on medication or under general anesthesia recently? Is there any reason to believe she has been exposed to a chemical agent that would cause this condition?
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Treatment Options
Early diagnosis of any infection is critical. Meningitis may lead to permanent neurologic damage or death if untreated. Chemical meningitis can be treated with a variety of antibiotics.
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Science Links
Brain function
Understanding the brain
What is meningitis?
What is the central nervous system?
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