Spinal meningitis is a term that is sometimes used to refer to the inflammatory condition of meningitis, but the inflammation can also affect the brain, not just the spinal cord. There are two different causes of meningitis. If it is caused by a virus, it is often less severe and individuals recover without medical treatment. If it is bacterial, it is more dangerous. Bacterial meningitis can result in permanent learning disabilities, hearing loss or brain damage.Signs and Symptoms of MeningitisReceiving an early diagnosis is essential to prevent brain damage and contaminating others since both types of meningitis are contagious. It is passed through sneezing, coughing, and direct contact, but it is harder to catch than a cold or flu. Close contact and prolonged exposures to those with meningitis increase the risk. Spinal meningitis symptoms are similar to the flu. An individual should see a physician immediately if they are experiencing any of the following:strong headachehigh fevernausea and vomitingsleepinesssensitive to bright lightsconfusion and difficulties concentratingstiff neckSpinal meningitis symptoms can develop quickly over the course of a couple of hours or they can take a few days to manifest. For infants, symptoms can be hard to detect or may be completely absent. Meningitis affects infants differently. They may not eat well, be irritable or slow, and appear sick. If meningitis continues without treatment, it can result in seizures.Treating Spinal MeningitisSome types of bacterial meningitis can be treated with antibiotics. Knowing which type a patient has is important because treatment helps to keep meningitis from spreading and infecting others. Antibiotics greatly reduce the risk of death in all but the elderly. With early treatment, risks drop to less than 15 percent.Most meningitis is caused by a viral infection. For this type, antibiotics do not help. While viral spinal meningitis symptoms are similar to bacterial meningitis, there is no treatment. Symptoms do tend to be milder and the body's defenses enable most patients to fully recover within about two weeks. For those with weak immune systems, a hospital stay may be required.