Emergency Care

What is meningitis?

Meningitis affects your cerebrospinal fluid and meninges, which are membranes that cover and protect the spinal cord and brain. It’s a serious disease that can create life-threatening complications. Viral meningitis is the most common type. It can develop slowly over several weeks or suddenly. Bacterial meningitis occurs suddenly and is generally more severe than viral meningitis.

Meningitis can spread through coughing, sneezing, hand-to-mouth contact and even changing a diaper. Seek emergency medical care if you have meningitis or if you’ve been around someone with meningitis. Bacterial meningitis can progress quickly, so promptly getting care is crucial to your well-being.

Goshen Hospital Emergency Department serves the community of Elkhart County by treating meningitis in Goshen, IN. If you suspect meningitis symptoms in yourself or your child, come to our emergency room on High Park Avenue. Testing may include labs, imaging and spinal tap (lumbar puncture).

Do I have meningitis symptoms?

Signs of meningitis include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stiff neck
  • Lethargy
  • Rash
  • Seizures
  • Unconsciousness
  • Changes in behavior or mental status

Meningitis in infants may cause them to not eat, be fussy and have a bulging soft spot. Symptoms of bacterial meningitis tend to be more severe than viral or other types of meningitis.

Expertly providing meningitis treatment

At Goshen Hospital Emergency Department, our team of board certified emergency physicians and nurses offer our patients the most advanced care, no matter the type of meningitis.

Treatment for meningitis may include:

  • Acetaminophen, ibuprofen or other medications for fever and pain
  • Fluids by mouth or through an IV
  • Rest
  • Close monitoring

Bacterial meningitis treatment may also involve:

  • Hospitalization, possibly in an intensive care setting
  • IV antibiotics
  • Monitoring for complications, such as coma, seizure and brain swelling

We will also monitor people who have been in close contact with a person diagnosed with meningitis, even if they don’t have symptoms. Our goal is to heal our patients with meningitis and prevent the disease from spreading. Trust us to prioritize your well-being in the case of a viral or bacterial infection like meningitis.

Goshen Hospital Emergency Department provides care for viral and bacterial meningitis in Goshen, IN.