Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery
10:03

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery

Published on: November 5, 2019

Chronic meningitis

Raimund Helbok1, Gregor Broessner, Bettina Pfausler

  • 1Dept. of Neurology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.

Journal of Neurology
|February 19, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Chronic meningitis, an inflammation of the meninges, presents diagnostic challenges due to diverse causes. While one-third of cases remain idiopathic, many patients experience favorable outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Chronic meningitis is defined by meningeal inflammation with subacute onset and persistent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalities for over a month.
  • Both infectious and non-infectious etiologies contribute to chronic meningitis, complicating patient management.
  • A standardized diagnostic protocol is lacking, emphasizing the importance of thorough patient history and physical examination.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on the etiology, clinical course, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic meningitis and meningoencephalitis.
  • To highlight the diagnostic challenges posed by the wide range of potential causes.
  • To provide insights into the prognosis of patients with chronic meningitis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on chronic meningitis and meningoencephalitis.
  • Synthesis of information regarding etiological factors, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies.
  • Analysis of neurological manifestations and disease progression.

Main Results:

  • The etiology of chronic meningitis remains undetermined in approximately one-third of patients.
  • Diagnostic difficulties are significant due to the diverse and sometimes overlapping causes.
  • Idiopathic chronic meningitis, in most cases, is associated with a relatively good patient outcome.

Conclusions:

  • Chronic meningitis presents a complex diagnostic puzzle for clinicians and neurologists.
  • Despite diagnostic challenges, a significant portion of patients, particularly those with idiopathic forms, achieve favorable neurological outcomes.
  • Further research is needed to refine diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for chronic meningitis.

More Related Videos

Induction of Leptomeningeal Cells Modification Via Intracisternal Injection05:55

Induction of Leptomeningeal Cells Modification Via Intracisternal Injection

Published on: May 7, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...