Why does meningitis cause seizure?

A seizure happens when groups of brain cells send abnormal, synchronised electrical signals. Meningitis affects the protective layers around the brain and can also irritate nearby brain tissue. Fever, changes in body chemistry, and raised pressure inside the skull may further lower the brain's seizure threshold. Seizure is a common presentation of Meningitis, although seizures have many causes and need individual assessment.

Move nearby hard or sharp objects away, cushion the person's head, and turn them onto their side when it is safe to do so. Do not hold them down, put anything in their mouth, or give food, drink, or medicine until they are fully awake. Note when the episode began and what you observed, as this can help the emergency team. A seizure in someone who may have meningitis needs urgent medical care.

Call emergency services for a first seizure, repeated seizures, an episode that does not stop, an injury, pregnancy, breathing difficulty, or failure to regain awareness. Also treat a seizure with fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, a rash, confusion, or persistent vomiting as an emergency. Stay with the person and check their breathing while help is arranged.

Ask what may have triggered the seizure, which examinations or tests are needed, and whether medicine is required to prevent further episodes. If meningitis is suspected, ask how urgently treatment needs to begin and what symptoms should prompt another emergency call.