Director – Neurology
Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges — the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord — caused by bacterial, viral, fungal, or mycobacterial (tuberculous) infection. Bacterial meningitis is the most dangerous, with high mortality if treatment is delayed. The classic triad is headache, fever, and neck stiffness. A non-blanching petechial or purpuric rash suggests meningococcal septicaemia — a life-threatening emergency. At Medanta Hospital, Noida, Dr. Kapil Singhal and Dr. Namita Kaul manages meningitis with urgent lumbar puncture, empirical antibiotics, and steroids.
Symptoms
Treatments
Dr. Kapil Singhal
Director – Neurology
M.D. D.M
Dr. Namita Kaul
Director – Neurology
M.D. DNB
Dr. Prerna Dogra
Consultant – Neurology
DNB
FAQ
Is meningitis an emergency?
Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening emergency. Mortality without treatment is over 70%; with prompt IV antibiotics, it falls to approximately 10–20%. Empirical antibiotics are given immediately on clinical suspicion — before lumbar puncture if there is any delay. If you or someone has sudden severe headache with fever and neck stiffness, call emergency services immediately.
What is tuberculous meningitis?
Tuberculous (TB) meningitis is a serious form of meningitis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, typically presenting subacutely over days to weeks with headache, fever, meningism, cranial nerve palsies, and altered consciousness. CSF shows lymphocytic pleocytosis with low glucose and high protein. It requires prolonged anti-tuberculous treatment (ATT) for 9–12 months and corticosteroids to prevent complications. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent death or neurological disability.
How is meningitis differentiated from encephalitis?
Meningitis primarily inflames the meninges — presenting with headache, fever, and neck stiffness but relatively preserved consciousness. Encephalitis involves brain parenchyma — presenting with confusion, altered consciousness, behavioural change, and seizures. Both can coexist (meningoencephalitis). MRI brain and CSF analysis are key investigations distinguishing the two.
Where is meningitis treated in Noida?
Medanta Hospital, Sector 50, Noida provides 24×7 emergency neurological care for meningitis. Dr. Kapil Singhal, Dr. Namita Kaul and the Team Sushrut neurology team manage all forms of meningitis including bacterial, viral, and TB meningitis. Emergency: +91 98103 24401.
