Brain Infection Treatment Self-Care at Home

If you suspect that someone in your household has some kind of brain infection, first, call your doctor or 911 emergency services and follow their advice.

Provide cooling measures and give temperature-lowering medications to reduce fever. If the person is vomiting, put him or her on their side to prevent them from inhaling and choking on the vomit. Avoid any strenuous activities, and keep the person on strict bed rest. Always follow the advice of your doctor. Bacterial infections
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Antibiotics given through a vein, as well as medications for fever and headache are used in the treatment of brain infections. Anyone in respiratory distress will receive oxygen and be closely observed. IV fluids and electrolyte replacement are given to those with continuing nausea and vomiting. Anticonvulsants are used to prevent or treat seizures. Irritable or restless people will receive mild sedation. If there is evidence of brain swelling, steroids will be given. The role of steroids in managing adult bacterial meningitis remains controversial. In some cases of Hib meningitis in children, IV steroids are used to decrease the possibility of hearing loss. Acutely ill people with suspected bacterial CNS infection are treated with antibiotics that cover the most common organisms. The first dose usually is given within 30 minutes of being evaluated by a doctor in the emergency department, and, if possible, before the lumbar puncture. Once the results of the lumbar puncture are available, and the organism is identified, more targeted therapy with the most effective antibiotics is begun. Treatment of a brain abscess is complex. Depending on the size and location, the drainage could be performed by a neurosurgeon. Antibiotic therapy is similar to that of bacterial meningitis.

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Viral infections: Most of the viral infections go away on their own with a complete recovery. They do not require any specific treatment. The only exception to this is the herpes viruses. Special antiviral drugs are used to treat brain infections caused by herpes.

Most types of meningitis are unpredictable and cannot be prevented. There are vaccines, however, against certain types of bacteria.

Hib vaccines are very safe and highly effective. It is a part of standard immunization for infants and children. A vaccine against pneumococcal meningitis can also prevent other forms of infection. It is not effective in children younger than 2 years but is recommended for all those older than 65 years and younger people with certain chronic medical conditions. A vaccine against meningococcal meningitis is not routinely used in the US. It is being used, however, to control outbreaks in certain regions of the country, in overcrowded environments such as college dormitories, and as a preventive measure for travelers outside of the US. Information on regions for which this vaccine is recommended is available at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.