Damien Martyn’s Health Scare Highlights Dangers Of Meningitis

Former Australian batting great Damien Martyn is on the path to recovery after battling a life-threatening case of meningitis, commonly known as brain fever. The cricket legend has been brought out of a medically induced coma at a Brisbane hospital, where doctors continue treatment for the infection.

Martyn was rushed to hospital on Boxing Day last week after he suddenly fell ill at his home on the Gold Coast. Hospital sources indicate that while his condition remains serious, he is currently stable and showing cautious signs of improvement under close monitoring.

Messages of concern and support have poured in from the cricketing fraternity for his recovery, highlighting the seriousness of the condition and the uncertainty that surrounds such infections.

Explaining the illness, Dr. Rajinder Dhamija, Senior Neurologist and Director, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), Delhi, said meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges—the thin protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. “It is commonly referred to as spinal meningitis and can become fatal within hours or days if not treated promptly,” he warned.

Talking to The Health Outlook, Dr. Dhamija said that meningitis can be caused by a range of infections, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Infectious meningitis occurs when these organisms enter the bloodstream and reach the brain or spinal cord. He explained that meningitis can lead to serious secondary complications, including brain abscesses, cerebral infarcts (strokes), and damage to nerves emerging from the brain.

Dr. Debashish Chowdhury, Professor and Director of the Neurology Department, Delhi-Government run GB Pant Hospital, echoed similar concerns, warning that meningitis is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

The early symptoms typically include severe headache, fever, and altered sensorium. Patients may also experience neck pain and stiffness, along with recurrent vomiting. “If a person develops a recent onset or rapidly worsening headache accompanied by vomiting or confusion, they must consult a doctor immediately to rule out brain dysfunction,” he stressed.

When asked about a window period, Dr. Chowdhury clarified that there is no safe delay. “Treatment should begin as early as possible. Once the infection spreads, its course becomes unpredictable. Some forms of meningitis can progress very rapidly—within hours—and may even be fatal, while others evolve over hours to days. Early diagnosis is absolutely critical.”

Regarding prevention, Dr. Chowdhury noted that vaccines are available for certain organisms that cause meningitis, particularly those that occur seasonally or during epidemics. Vaccination is especially important for predisposed individuals, including people with weakened immune systems, such as those receiving immunosuppressive drugs. Dr. Chowdhury cautioned that vaccines do not cover all possible organisms, and the causative agents can vary by age group—from newborns and children to adults.

“The spectrum of organisms differs with age, which is why hospital evaluation is essential,” explained Dr. Chowdhury. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination, obtained via a lumbar puncture, which helps identify the cause and guide treatment.

Dr. Dhamija added that even survivors of severe meningitis may face complications such as hearing loss, seizures, memory problems, or other neurological damage. In other words, meningitis is a medical emergency. “Early recognition, prompt hospital care, and timely treatment can save lives.”

On vaccines that protect adults from brain fever, Dr. Sudhir Kumar, Senior Neurologist at Apollo Hospital, Hyderabad, wrote on social platform X: “Vaccination is vital in preventing severe forms of meningitis. Adults can markedly reduce their risk through vaccines such as the pneumococcal vaccine, meningococcal vaccines including ACWY and MenB based on individual risk, and the Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine for those not immunised earlier or belonging to high-risk groups. Immunisation against measles via the MMR vaccine and against chickenpox with the varicella vaccine is also important, as these infections can sometimes progress to meningitis.”

Globally, meningitis remains a major public health challenge, with an estimated 2.5 million cases reported each year. Nearly 70% of deaths occur among children under the age of five.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends vaccination as the most effective preventive measure. Vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), pneumococcal, and meningococcal bacteria help prevent bacterial meningitis, while MMR and varicella vaccines reduce the risk of viral meningitis.

Martyn’s condition has once again drawn attention to the seriousness of meningitis—a disease that can strike suddenly and progress swiftly. Doctors emphasise that awareness, vaccination, and early medical care remain the strongest tools to save lives.

Among the infectious types, bacterial meningitis is the most dangerous. Viral meningitis, though more common, is usually milder, and many patients recover with rest and supportive care. Fungal meningitis is rare and typically affects people with weakened immune systems, requiring prolonged antifungal treatment.

Meningitis can also develop without infection. According to the doctors, non-infectious meningitis may be caused by autoimmune disorders, cancer, head injuries, or reactions to certain medications.