Chemical meningitis

Chemical meningitis is caused by some medicines or other chemical substances

Causes include contrast agents used during X-rays or scans, and some medicines used to treat cancer

The facts

  • Chemical meningitis is said to be ‘sterile’ and is characterised by the absence of bacteria or other organisms in the cerebrospinal fluid
  • Chemical meningitis may resolve with little treatment, however, depending on the underlying cause, it may require steroid therapy to limit inflammation

Call our nurse-led helpline

Call our helpline 0808 80 10 388 or email helpline@meningitisnow.org