Type 5: Non-Infectious Meningitis – The Silent Stirrer
Non-infectious meningitis differs from its counterparts in that it’s not caused by an infection, but by other factors such as certain drugs, autoimmune diseases, or cancers. It causes an inflammation of the meninges similar to other types of meningitis, but treatment strategies are considerably different.
The symptoms of non-infectious meningitis can closely resemble those of infectious meningitis, including headache, fever, and stiff neck. The similar presentation can often lead to an initial misdiagnosis until further testing reveals the non-infectious cause.
Treating non-infectious meningitis primarily involves addressing the underlying cause, be it discontinuing a medication, treating the autoimmune disease, or managing the cancer causing the inflammation. In many cases, corticosteroids might be used to reduce inflammation.(5)
