Treatment of meningitis depends on its type or cause. For example, viral meningitis may sometimes resolve on its own within seven to 10 days, whereas viral meningitis caused by herpes simplex virus may require antiviral medication. Over-the-counter medicine (e.g., analgesics such as aspirin and ibuprofen) is also often used to treat viral meningitis. However, patients should always consult their physician before taking any type of medication, including over-the-counter remedies. In addition, children and teens should not be given aspirin due to the risk of the quick-acting and life-threatening Reye syndrome. Other common treatments include rest and fluid consumption.

Although bacterial meningitis is less common than viral meningitis, it is potentially much more dangerous. It requires prompt treatment under a physician’s supervision. Antibiotics will be prescribed to treat bacterial meningitis. The combination of medications prescribed depends on a number of factors, including:

• Source of infection (e.g., type of bacteria)
• Age of the patient
• Severity of infection
• Presence of other medical conditions or complications

Tests to determine the type of meningitis present may take a few days. A physician will often begin administering intravenous antibiotics before the cause has been determined due to the possibility of severe complications from the disease (e.g., death). Appropriate treatment with antibiotics can reduce the fatality rate associated with the most common types of bacterial meningitis to less than 15 percent in most patients, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Treatment may be altered or stopped later if testing indicates a viral infection as the source of meningitis.

A physician may also prescribe treatments to deal with symptoms of the disease (e.g., brain swelling, convulsions and dehydration). Fluid that has accumulated in and around the brain may be drained or otherwise removed. Analgesics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be administered to reduce pain and/or inflammation. Steroids are also used in certain cases of bacterial meningitis.

Some forms of bacterial meningitis are contagious, especially in group settings such as college dormitories or daycare centers. If a case occurs, health authorities may notify other people who may have been in contact with the patient. Bacterial meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis is a nationally notifiable disease and all cases must be reported to the CDC.