Topic Resources Noninfectious meningitis is inflammation of the layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord (meninges) and of the fluid-filled space between the meninges (subarachnoid space) when it is caused by disorders that are not infections or by drugs or vaccines. The brain and spinal cord are
covered by three layers of tissue called meninges. The subarachnoid space is located between the middle layer and the inner layer of the meninges. This space contains the cerebrospinal fluid, which flows through the meninges, fills the spaces within the brain, and helps cushion the brain and spinal cord. Noninfectious meningitis is a type of aseptic meningitis (meningitis caused by something other than the bacteria that typically cause acute meningitis). Within the skull, the brain is covered by three layers of tissue called the meninges. Noninfectious meningitis is caused by disorders that are not infections or by drugs or vaccines. Overall, these conditions are uncommon causes of meningitis. Disorders
that most commonly cause noninfectious meningitis include disorders that cause inflammation, such as the inflammation that occurs when the body's immune system malfunctions and attacks the body's own tissues (autoimmune disorders). Such disorders include
rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis in which joints, usually including those of the hands and feet, are inflamed, resulting in swelling, pain, and often destruction of joints.... read more
Drugs that can cause noninfectious meningitis include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and certain antibiotics. Noninfectious meningitis due to NSAIDs may occur in people who have autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus).  Usually, noninfectious meningitis causes symptoms that are similar to those of bacterial meningitis but are milder and may develop more slowly. Symptoms include headache, a stiff neck, and often fever. When the neck becomes stiff, lowering the chin to chest becomes painful. Most people recover in 1 to 2 weeks.
Doctors suspect meningitis when people have a headache and stiff neck, particularly with fever. They then try to determine whether meningitis is bacterial (requiring immediate treatment) or not. If the symptoms are less severe, the cause is less likely to be bacteria. The sample of cerebrospinal fluid is sent to a laboratory to be examined and analyzed. Sugar and protein levels and the number and type of white blood cells in the fluid are determined. The fluid is cultured to check for bacteria and thus rule out or confirm bacterial meningitis. Noninfectious meningitis is possible when the fluid contains excess white blood cells (indicating inflammation) and does not contain any bacteria that could be the cause. Then other tests are done to identify infectious organisms other than bacteria, such as viruses and fungi in the cerebrospinal fluid. Noninfectious meningitis is likely if people have a disorder or take a drug that can cause meningitis and the person's symptoms and test results do not suggest that the cause is an infection.
After the cause is identified, doctors treat the cause accordingly—for example, by treating a disorder or stopping a drug. Symptoms are treated as needed.
CLICK HERE FOR THE PROFESSIONAL VERSION Copyright © 2022 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved. What is inflammation of the brain and spinal cord?Inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, is called meningitis; inflammation of the brain itself is called encephalitis. Myelitis refers to inflammation of the spinal cord. When both the brain and the spinal cord are involved, the condition is called encephalomyelitis.
What causes the inflammation of the meninges of the spinal cord?Inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known collectively as the meninges, may develop in response to a number of causes, most prominently bacteria and viruses, but also fungi, parasites, radiation, or neoplasm.
What is the medical term for inflammation of the meninges?Meningitis is an inflammation of the fluid and membranes (meninges) surrounding your brain and spinal cord. The swelling from meningitis typically triggers signs and symptoms such as headache, fever and a stiff neck.
What is the result of an inflammation of the cranial meninges?Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes (meninges) surrounding your brain and spinal cord. The swelling from meningitis typically triggers symptoms such as headache, fever and a stiff neck.
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Inflammation of the meninges of the brain and spinal cord
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