Meningitis - cryptococcal

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Central nervous system

Cryptococcal meningitis

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, flucytosine. An oral medication, fluconazole, in high doses may also be effective against this infection.

Long-term treatment with medication taken by mouth must be continued for people with AIDS, to prevent the infection from coming back.

Obstructive hydrocephalus is a complication. This occurs when the normal movement of CSF around the brain and spinal cord is disrupted by the infection. The pressure can be relieved with a spinal tap.

Amphotericin B can have severely unpleasant side effects, causing chills and stiffness, and sometimes kidney damage.

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

If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, paralysis, numbness, or sensory or mental state changes, get to the emergency room as quickly as possible.

Review Date: 09/06/2006
Reviewed By: Hilary M. Babcock, M.D., Medical Director of Occupational Infection Control, Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's Hospitals; Instructor of Medicine, Infectious Disease Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.