Treatment:

Antifungal medications are used to treat this form of meningitis. Intravenous therapy with amphotericin B is the most common treatment. It is often combined with an oral medication, 5-flucytosine.

An oral medication, fluconazole, in high doses may also be effective against this infection, and may be used later in the course of treatment.

Expectations (prognosis):

People with AIDS who recover from cryptococcal meningitis need long-term treatment with medication to prevent the infection from coming back.

Complications:

• Brain damage
• Hearing loss
• Hydrocephalus
• Seizures

Amphotericin B can have side effects, including chills and stiffness, and sometimes kidney damage.

Calling your health care provider:

Call the local emergency number if you develop any of the serious symptoms listed above. Meningitis can quickly become a life-threatening illness.

Call the local emergency number (such as 911) or go to an emergency room if you suspect meningitis in a young child who has the following symptoms:

• Feeding difficulties
• High-pitched cry
• Irritability
• Persistent, unexplained fever