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Meningitis - cryptococcal - Treatment

Alternative Names

Cryptococcal meningitis

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.

Expectations (prognosis):

People with AIDS need long-term treatment with medication, to prevent the infection from coming back.

Complications:

Obstructive hydrocephalus is a complication. This occurs when the infection disrupts the normal movement of CSF around the brain and spinal cord. A tube called a shunt, which moves CSF around the obstruction, can relieve the pressure.

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

Calling your health care provider:

Call the local emergency number (such as 911) or go to the emergency room if you have symptoms of meningitis, or if you are being treated for meningitis and your symptoms get worse.

Go to the emergency room as quickly as possible if you have:

  • Changes in your senses or mental state
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Numbness
  • Paralysis
  • Reviewed last on: 9/28/2008
  • David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Jatin M. Vyas, PhD, MD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Kauffman CA. Cryptococcosis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 357.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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