The Facts
Meningitis means "inflammation of the meninges."
The meninges (plural of meninx) are membranes that cover the
brain and spinal cord. They can become inflamed when an infection occurs in
the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounding these membranes.
Though meningitis is less common in adults, there are almost 2,000 cases of it in the United States each year. Bacterial meningitis is fatal for one in ten people who get it, even with treatment. Up to one in five survivors will be left with severe handicaps such as deafness or brain injury. Quick diagnosis and treatment are vital to reduce the risk of death or complications.