There is some literature out there that shows some indication of aseptic meningitis leading to acute onset of lupus. In particular I think one I read was from Mexico and another from Columbia. I had aseptic meningitis and shortly afterwards showed signs of auto immune positive Ana. When I went to rheumatologist that was finally able to diagnose me he was interested when I said I had meningitis. Even more interesting that I was lucky and my spinal fluid was analyzed at the mayo clinic so all common types of viruses that cause meningitis were tested for and came up negative which is consistent with the hypothesis of aseptic meningitis being an acute onset of lupus.

Meningitis can be caused by a variety of different pathogens (viral, bacterial, fungal) or non infectious causes including drug reactions, some types of cancer and some types of inflammatory diseases like sarcoidosis.

Since the cause of lupus is not fully understood, there is no way to connect your meningitis to your lupus. When we are diagnosed with lupus, we all try to find the reasons and connections. Very few answers are out there.

My questions would be, what led you to seek a diagnosis of lupus? Who diagnosed you? On what basis did they make the diagnosis? Which of these symptoms have you had for a long time? Which of these symptoms are relatively new? Write to me at editor at lupusflorida dot org if you want to talk about this.

Lupus can affect the central nervous system. So can meningitis. I need more information to even point you in the right direction.

Linda

I had spinal meningitis when I was three and wasn’t suppose to live now I too have lupus already ng with sjorgens syndrome fibromyalgia and recently diagnosed with polychondritis. I too wonder if it all started from the damage from spinal meningitis I have struggled with a terrible immune system since then.

I first went to a dermatologist due to butterfly rash on my face. I thought it was rosacea. But then I was told it was Lupus. Then I went to a rheumatologist, who ordered further testing. That was in 1999. But I am just trying to understand why I have so many issues with my health. I feel worn down, severe fatigue, fever, now ulcers in my stomach. I got to thinking about the spinal meningitis I had as a child, and thought I would see if anyone else has this too.