Meningitis (KidsHealth.org)


KidsHealth.org - Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that
cover the brain and spinal cord. The inflammation is usually caused by bacteria
or viruses (viral meningitis is also called aseptic meningitis). Less
common causes include fungi, protozoa, and other parasites. Sometimes certain
medications, cancers, or other diseases can inflame the meninges, although such
noninfectious cases of meningitis are much rarer.