best general physician doctors in yelahanka An Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes typically caused by an infection. Meningitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection but can also be viral or fungal. Vaccines can prevent some forms of meningitis. Symptoms include headache, nausea, confusion, fever, and stiff neck. Depending on the underlying cause, viral meningitis may resolve on its own, with the exception of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). However, it can also be life-threatening, requiring immediate antibiotic treatment.