What Is the Difference Between Spinal Meningitis & Meningitis?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, spinal meningitis and meningitis refer to the same disease. It is an inflammation of the thin membranes (meninges) that surround the brain and spinal cord.

Viral Meningitis

• According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, viruses cause most cases of meningitis. Viral meningitis usually goes away on its own without permanent damage.

Bacterial Meningitis

• Meningitis caused by bacteria is a much more serious disease than viral meningitis and needs emergency treatment. Bacterial meningitis can cause brain damage, learning disabilities, hearing loss, or death.

Symptoms in Infants

• In babies, the signs and symptoms of meningitis include irritability, high-pitched cry, poor feeding, vomiting, fever, seizures, a bulging fontanelle (the soft spot on top of the skull), or stiff neck.

Symptoms in Others

• In children and young adults, the signs and symptoms of meningitis include high fever, severe headache, vomiting or nausea, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, drowsiness, skin rash (in some cases), confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness. In older adults, the only signs may be altered mental state and lethargy.

Caution

• The symptoms of viral and bacterial meningitis are the same, so it's important to seek immediate medical attention.