K.N.O.W. Home Health - FUNGAL MENINGITIS

Patient Education: Fungal Meningitis

1. What It Is

Fungal meningitis is a rare but serious infection of the brain and spinal cord coverings (the meninges) caused by certain types of fungi.
It is not spread from person to person like colds or the flu. You can get it when fungal spores enter the body, usually through the lungs, skin, or bloodstream, and then travel to the brain.

2. Causes & Risk Factors

Causes: Certain fungi, such as Cryptococcus, Histoplasma, Blastomyces, and Candida.
How it enters: Inhaled from the environment, or enters the body through a wound, medical procedure, or IV line.
Risk factors:
- Weakened immune system (HIV/AIDS, cancer, transplant patients, long-term steroid use)
- Recent brain/spinal surgery
- IV drug use
- Living in or visiting areas where certain fungi are common (e.g., bird/bat droppings, farming areas)
- Older age or other chronic illnesses

3. Signs & Symptoms

Early warning signs:

Headache that does not go away
Fever or chills
Stiff neck
Nausea and vomiting
Sensitivity to light
Confusion or trouble thinking clearly

Other possible symptoms:

Seizures
Sleepiness or trouble waking up
Weakness or numbness
Speech or vision problems

4. Complications if Untreated or if Care Instructions Are Not Followed

Permanent brain damage
Seizures
Stroke
Death

5. Treatment & Self-Care Measures

Main treatment: Antifungal medicines, often given by IV at first, then by mouth for weeks or months.
Other treatments: Medicines to reduce brain swelling or control seizures if they occur.
Self-care:
- Take all medicines exactly as prescribed — do not skip doses.
- Keep all follow-up appointments.
- Report new or worsening symptoms right away.
- Rest, eat healthy foods, and stay hydrated.

6. Common Types of Medications, Purpose, & Side Effects

Amphotericin B: Strong IV antifungal; can cause fever, chills, kidney problems, low potassium/magnesium.
Fluconazole or Itraconazole: Oral antifungal; may cause nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, liver problems.
Voriconazole or Posaconazole: Oral or IV antifungal; may cause vision changes, rash, liver problems.

Important: Your doctor will monitor blood tests to check your liver, kidneys, and drug levels.

7. Dietary Needs

Drink plenty of fluids to help kidneys flush out medicine by-products.
Eat balanced meals with enough protein for healing.
Avoid alcohol — it can stress the liver and interact with medications.
If appetite is low, try small frequent meals.

8. Lifestyle Changes

Avoid dusty or moldy areas, construction sites, bird/bat droppings.
Wear a mask if you must be in risky environments.
Stop smoking — it weakens the lungs.
Manage other health problems (diabetes, HIV, etc.) closely.

9. Safety Considerations

Get help walking if you are dizzy or weak.
Keep your home well-lit to avoid falls.
If confused, have someone help manage your medications.
Tell all healthcare providers about your antifungal treatment before starting new medicines.

10. Prevention & Maintenance Tips

Follow your full antifungal treatment plan — stopping too early can cause relapse.
Keep wounds clean and covered.
Wash hands often.
Wear protective gloves and masks in risky environments.
Monitor your health — know your early warning signs.

11. When to Call for Help

Call Home Health Agency or Doctor if you have:

Fever or headache that is getting worse
New stiffness in your neck
Nausea/vomiting that makes it hard to take medicine
Vision changes, dizziness, or confusion
Side effects from medication (rash, yellow skin/eyes, trouble urinating)

Call 911 or go to the Emergency Room if you have:

Trouble breathing
Seizure
Sudden weakness or numbness
Sudden trouble speaking or seeing
Loss of consciousness

PATIENT HOMEWORK/ASSESSMENT

Please choose if the statement is True or False. If False correct the statement.

True or False: Fungal meningitis can spread from one person to another.
True or False: People with weak immune systems are at higher risk for fungal meningitis.
True or False: A stiff neck and headache can be early warning signs of fungal meningitis.
True or False: You should stop your antifungal medicine once you feel better.
True or False: Amphotericin B is an antifungal medicine that can affect your kidneys.
True or False: Avoiding dusty and moldy environments can help prevent fungal meningitis.
True or False: Drinking alcohol while on antifungal medicine is safe.
True or False: Confusion and seizures can happen if fungal meningitis is not treated.
True or False: You should report any yellowing of the skin or eyes to your doctor right away.
True or False: Wearing a mask in certain environments can lower your risk of fungal infection.
True or False: You only need to take antifungal medicine for a few days.
True or False: Fungal meningitis can cause permanent brain damage if not treated.
True or False: People who work with birds or bats should wear protective equipment.
True or False: Skipping doses of antifungal medicine can make the infection come back.
True or False: Fever and nausea are normal signs of improvement and do not need to be reported.
True or False: Eating balanced meals and drinking fluids can help you recover.
True or False: Side effects from antifungal medicines should be reported to your healthcare provider.
True or False: Fungal meningitis is more common in people who have had recent brain or spinal surgery.
True or False: It is safe to be around people with fungal meningitis without special precautions.
True or False: You should call 911 if you have a seizure or sudden weakness.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Individualized Patient Questions

What type of fungus is causing your infection?
What antifungal medicine are you taking, and how often?
What recent lab tests have been done to check your liver or kidney function?
Have you noticed any medication side effects such as rash, vision changes, or stomach upset?
What foods and drinks are you including to help your recovery?
Have you avoided dusty, moldy, or bird/bat droppings environments?
Do you know your early warning signs that mean you should call your doctor?
How will you remember to take all your medicine doses?
Have you had any recent symptoms that have gotten worse instead of better?
Are you using any alcohol or tobacco that could interfere with healing?

Answer Key with Explanations

False – It is not contagious person-to-person.
True – Weakened immunity increases risk.
True – These are early warning signs.
False – Stopping early can cause relapse.
True – Amphotericin B can affect kidneys.
True – Avoiding risky environments helps prevention.
False – Alcohol can harm the liver and interact with medicines.
True – Untreated infection can cause seizures and confusion.
True – Yellow skin/eyes can be a sign of liver damage.
True – Masks help lower exposure risk.
False – Treatment can last weeks to months.
True – Delay in treatment can cause brain damage.
True – Protective gear helps prevent exposure.
True – Missing doses increases relapse risk.
False – Worsening fever/nausea should be reported.
True – Good nutrition and hydration aid recovery.
True – Side effects should always be reported.
True – Surgery can allow fungi to enter the body.
True – No special precautions are needed for contact.
True – These are emergencies requiring immediate help.