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topics Share this page: More  Bacterial Meningitis  Bacterial
Meningitis  Meningitis is an infection of the meninges, the
membranes that protect the spinal cord and the brain. When the
meninges become infected, they start to swell, putting pressure
on the spinal cord or brain and causing potentially life-
threatening complications. Meningitis is called an acute
condition because symptoms strike quickly and suddenly.
Although meningitis is most often caused by viruses, bacterial
meningitis is more serious. The bacteria that cause bacterial
meningitis are just about everywhere—they even live inside your
respiratory tract. But they don't always make you sick. Experts
don't always know why bacterial meningitis occurs. Some people
get it when their immune system is down or they've recently been
sick. Suffering a head injury may also increase your bacterial
meningitis risk.  It's important to know what's causing your
meningitis. Even though all types affec