Patient Education: Non-Infective Meningitis

1. What It Is

Non-infective meningitis is inflammation of the membranes (meninges) covering the brain and spinal cord that is not caused by germs like bacteria or viruses.
Instead, it happens when the body’s own immune system, certain medicines, cancer, or other medical problems cause swelling and irritation.

2. Causes & Risk Factors

Possible causes include:

• Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, sarcoidosis)
  
  

• Certain cancers (especially cancers of the blood or brain)
  
  

• Reactions to medicines (antibiotics, IV immunoglobulins, chemotherapy, NSAIDs, etc.)
  
  

• Head injury or brain/spinal surgery
  
  

• Blood in the spinal fluid from bleeding in the brain
  
  

Risk factors:

• History of autoimmune disease or cancer
  
  

• Recent brain or spinal surgery
  
  

• Recent head injury
  
  

• Certain medications known to cause inflammation of the meninges
  
  

3. Signs & Symptoms

Early warning signs:

• Headache that gets worse or does not go away
  
  

• Fever (sometimes mild)
  
  

• Stiff neck
  
  

• Nausea and vomiting
  
  

• Sensitivity to light
  
  

• Feeling very tired or weak
  
  

Other symptoms:

• Trouble thinking clearly
  
  

• Seizures
  
  

• Weakness or numbness in part of the body
  
  

• Vision problems
  
  

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

• Ongoing inflammation and brain damage
  
  

• Seizures
  
  

• Stroke
  
  

• Coma
  
  

• Death
  
  

5. Treatment & Self-Care Measures

Treatment depends on the cause:

• If caused by an autoimmune disease: Steroids or other medicines to calm the immune system.
  
  

• If caused by medicine: Stopping the drug and treating symptoms.
  
  

• If caused by cancer: Treating the cancer and controlling swelling.
  
  

• If caused by bleeding: Stopping the bleed and reducing brain pressure.
  
  

Self-care:

• Take all medicines exactly as prescribed.
  
  

• Keep all follow-up visits with your doctor.
  
  

• Rest and avoid overexertion.
  
  

• Report any changes in symptoms right away.
  
  

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

• Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone): Reduce inflammation; can cause weight gain, high blood sugar, mood changes.
  
  

• Immunosuppressants (e.g., methotrexate, azathioprine): Lower immune activity; can increase risk of infection, cause stomach upset, liver problems.
  
  

• Pain relievers: Help with headache and discomfort; some may irritate the stomach.
  
  

• Anti-seizure medicines: Prevent or treat seizures; may cause dizziness, tiredness, or mood changes.
  
  

7. Dietary Needs

• Eat a balanced diet to support healing.
  
  

• Drink enough water to stay hydrated.
  
  

• If on steroids, limit salt to reduce swelling and avoid high-sugar foods to help control blood sugar.
  
  

• Avoid alcohol, which can stress the liver and worsen some side effects.
  
  

8. Lifestyle Changes

• Avoid activities that increase the risk of head injury.
  
  

• Wear a helmet if biking or in risky environments.
  
  

• Manage underlying diseases (lupus, cancer, etc.) closely.
  
  

• Get enough rest to support healing.
  
  

9. Safety Considerations

• If taking medicines that lower immunity, avoid crowded places during outbreaks of illness.
  
  

• Prevent falls by keeping pathways clear and using assistive devices if weak or dizzy.
  
  

• Let all healthcare providers know your current medicines before starting new ones.
  
  

10. Prevention & Maintenance Tips

• Manage chronic illnesses with regular check-ups.
  
  

• Follow your medication plan exactly as prescribed.
  
  

• Avoid medicines that have previously caused a reaction unless your doctor says otherwise.
  
  

• Monitor for and report new symptoms quickly.
  
  

11. When to Call for Help

Call Home Health Agency or Doctor if you have:

• Headache or neck stiffness that gets worse
  
  

• Nausea/vomiting that makes it hard to take medicine
  
  

• Side effects from medications (rash, mood changes, yellow skin/eyes, swelling)
  
  

• Vision changes or trouble thinking clearly
  
  

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

• Seizure
  
  

• Sudden weakness or numbness
  
  

• Trouble speaking or seeing
  
  

• Loss of consciousness
  
  

• Sudden severe headache (“worst headache of your life”)
  
  

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

Patient Homework/Assessment   Please choose if the statement is True or False.  Correct All False statements please. 

1. True or False: Non-infective meningitis is caused by germs like bacteria or fungi.
   
   

2. True or False: Autoimmune diseases can cause non-infective meningitis.
   
   

3. True or False: A stiff neck and headache can be warning signs of non-infective meningitis.
   
   

4. True or False: Stopping medicine that caused meningitis can sometimes help symptoms improve.
   
   

5. True or False: Corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation in non-infective meningitis.
   
   

6. True or False: Alcohol is safe to drink while on high-dose steroids.
   
   

7. True or False: Untreated non-infective meningitis can lead to brain damage or seizures.
   
   

8. True or False: Drinking enough water is important for recovery.
   
   

9. True or False: You should tell all healthcare providers about your current medications.
   
   

10. True or False: Wearing a helmet can help prevent head injuries that may lead to meningitis.
    
    

11. True or False: Side effects from medicines should be reported to your doctor right away.
    
    

12. True or False: Immunosuppressants can increase your risk of infection.
    
    

13. True or False: If you feel better, it is safe to stop your treatment early.
    
    

14. True or False: Rest is important for healing from meningitis.
    
    

15. True or False: Pain relievers are sometimes used to help manage headaches in meningitis.
    
    

16. True or False: Yellowing of the skin or eyes could be a sign of a medicine-related liver problem.
    
    

17. True or False: People with non-infective meningitis can usually be around others without spreading it.
    
    

18. True or False: Managing your other health problems can help prevent future episodes.
    
    

19. True or False: You should call 911 if you have a seizure.
    
    

20. True or False: Non-infective meningitis can never cause death.
    
    

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Individualized Patient Questions

1. What is the suspected cause of your meningitis — autoimmune, medication, cancer, or injury?
   
   

2. What medicines are you currently taking for inflammation or symptoms?
   
   

3. What recent lab tests or imaging have been done to monitor your condition?
   
   

4. Have you noticed any side effects from your medicines?
   
   

5. What changes have you made to your diet since starting treatment?
   
   

6. Are you avoiding any medications that may have triggered your symptoms?
   
   

7. Do you know which symptoms mean you should call your doctor immediately?
   
   

8. How will you remember to take your medicines on time?
   
   

9. Have you had any new symptoms or changes in your vision, speech, or movement?
   
   

10. Are you taking steps to prevent falls or injuries at home?
    
    

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

Answer Key with Explanations

1. False – Non-infective meningitis is not caused by germs.
   
   

2. True – Autoimmune diseases can cause it.
   
   

3. True – Stiff neck and headache are early warning signs.
   
   

4. True – Removing the cause can help recovery.
   
   

5. True – Steroids reduce swelling and inflammation.
   
   

6. False – Alcohol can worsen side effects and harm the liver.
   
   

7. True – Untreated, it can cause serious complications.
   
   

8. True – Hydration supports healing.
   
   

9. True – This prevents dangerous drug interactions.
   
   

10. True – Helmets help prevent injury-related cases.
    
    

11. True – Reporting side effects can prevent harm.
    
    

12. True – These medicines lower immune defenses.
    
    

13. False – Stopping early can allow symptoms to return.
    
    

14. True – Rest is key for recovery.
    
    

15. True – Pain relief is part of symptom management.
    
    

16. True – This can signal liver damage.
    
    

17. True – It is not contagious.
    
    

18. True – Managing other illnesses helps prevent recurrence.
    
    

19. True – Seizures are emergencies.
    
    

20. False – Severe cases can be deadly.