Dr Michael Omidi on Meningitis Outbreak

Dr Michael Omidi Discusses the Recent Meningitis Outbreak, as well as other illnesses that are now being linked to contaminated infections

The recent meningitis outbreak was the one of the biggest health disasters ever caused by a tainted drug. To date, more than 400 people have been infected, and 32 have died. Unfortunately, it seems that meningitis is not the only dangerous illness caused by the contaminated steroid injections; many patients are now suffering from epidural abscesses and arachnoiditis, even though the fungal meningitis seemed to be under control.

Epidural Abscesses and Arachnoiditis Linked to Contaminated Steroid Injections

Epidural abscesses are pus-filled inflammations of the spine or bones of the skull. These abscesses can be caused by bacterial or fungal infections and, in the cases of the contamination victims, can cause meningitis. Epidural abscesses are often found in patients who have had invasive back surgery, bone infections of the spine or are intravenous narcotics users.

Epidural Abscess Symptoms

The symptoms of epidural abscess are back pain, fever, weakness and incontinence. This condition can lead to very serious complications, including brain damage, bone infection and even paralysis. It is very important to seek medical treatment at the first signs of epidural abscess, although because the abscess might not be evident at the surface of the skin detection might be difficult. However, anyone suffering persistent back pain, nausea and fever should visit their doctor.

Arachnoiditis Symptoms

Arachnoiditis is a swelling of the membranes surrounding the spinal cord. This painful condition occurs when certain bacteria, chemicals or viruses are introduced to the spine, and can also be triggered by trauma or spinal surgery. This condition causes burning pain in the legs and back, spinal numbness, muscle cramping, loss of bladder and bowel function and even, in severe cases, paralysis. Treatments can be long and difficult, and typically consist of pain management exercises and, sometimes, psychotherapy. Arachnoiditis is a chronic condition with symptoms that can be made less severe with treatments, but never totally eliminated. Surgery is not widely used due to the fact that relief is only temporary and the procedures are very dangerous.

Fungal Meningitis Symptoms

Fungal meningitis is an aggressive form of meningitis that attacks the membranes covering the spinal cord and brain. Symptoms include nausea, light sensitivity, stiff neck, severe headaches and fever. Although the symptoms for fungal, bacterial and viral meningitis are the same, fungal and bacterial meningitis are medical emergencies, whereas viral meningitis often doesn’t require medical treatment. It is critically important to seek medical attention at the onset of these symptoms so immediate treatment can be administered. Meningitis, when left untreated, might lead to seizures, stroke, brain damage and hearing loss.

Moving Forward

It isn’t easy, perhaps even impossible, to predict what further medical complications may arise from this catastrophe. Unfortunately, even after the disgraceful sloppiness of compounding pharmacies became known, it is still common for citizens to order pharmaceuticals online from dubious sources. Hopefully, this disaster will open up public awareness about medical treatment practice, and cause both doctors and patients to scrutinize the origins of their drugs.


Dr. Michael Omidi is a philanthropist, whose charitable organizations include Animal Support and No More Poverty, both of which he founded with his brother Julian Omidi.