The author (a well-known specialist in infectious diseases) discusses viral (aseptic) and bacterial meningitis, the former having a high mortality and morbidity rate and warranting medical emergency status, while the latter is self-limiting. He describes, with illustrations, the anatomy of the meninges that cover the brain and spinal cord and encompass the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) space, and provides typical case presentations reviewing the typical signs - headache and neck stiffness - of the disease. Aseptic meningitis is characterised by acute symptoms but with antibiotics and hydration lasts about seven days. Bacterial meningitis also presents acutely . and the author describes its incidence and the most common pathogens and risk factors that cause it. These are summarized in accompanying graphics, as are the simple diagnostic tests - Kernig's Sign and Brudzinski's Sign.

N.B. This program was originaly produced for US healthcare workers.