5. Drug-Induced Meningitis: When the Cure Becomes the Cause
Lastly, we arrive at an unlikely cause of meningitis – drugs. Yes, certain medications, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics, and intravenous immunoglobulins, can cause drug-induced meningitis. It’s ironic, isn’t it? The very thing meant to heal us can sometimes lead to further complications.
NSAIDs are everyday medications we use for pain relief. But in some cases, they can lead to aseptic meningitis, a type of meningitis where no bacteria or viruses are found in the cerebrospinal fluid. It’s quite the mystery, the exact mechanism remains elusive.
Certain antibiotics can also cause drug-induced meningitis. For instance, medications like trimethoprim and isoniazid, which we use to treat bacterial infections and tuberculosis, respectively, have been implicated. It’s an unintended side effect, an unforeseen reaction in the body’s complex biochemical milieu.
Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), which we use to boost the immune system in certain conditions, can also lead to aseptic meningitis. It’s an adverse reaction, a sign that the body isn’t responding as expected to the treatment.
Drug-induced meningitis is a reminder of the complexity of medicine. It highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and vigilance, even when taking routine medications. It’s an unexpected twist in our understanding of meningitis, further illuminating the multifaceted nature of this condition. (5)
