US Medical Term · conditions
Meningitis
Meningitis
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Meningitis |
| Spanish (Español) | Meningitis |
| Chinese (中文) | 腦膜炎 |
| Korean (한국어) | 뇌수막염 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Viêm màng não |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Meningitis |
| Portuguese (Português) | Meningite |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | เยื่อหุ้มสมองอักเสบ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 髄膜炎 |
What it means
Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes, called meninges, surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Bacterial meningitis is the more severe form and can be life-threatening within hours. Symptoms include sudden severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, and nausea or vomiting. A rash may appear in bacterial meningitis caused by meningococcal bacteria. Treatment depends on the cause. Bacterial meningitis requires urgent hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics. Viral meningitis usually resolves on its own. Vaccines are available to prevent several types of meningitis including meningococcal and pneumococcal disease.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have a severe headache and stiff neck and am worried I may have meningitis.
Tengo un dolor de cabeza intenso y cuello rígido y me preocupa que pueda tener meningitis.
My child was diagnosed with meningitis and I need to understand the treatment.
A mi hijo le diagnosticaron meningitis y necesito entender el tratamiento.
Is there a vaccine that protects against the type of meningitis I was diagnosed with?
¿Existe una vacuna que proteja contra el tipo de meningitis que me diagnosticaron?
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
G03 Meningitis due to other and unspecified causesRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026