Is Meningitis life threatening?

The doctor said my mum has Meningitis. :(

It can be, depending on the type of meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is the most serious and can be fatal or result in brain damage. Viral usually resolves without treatment and requires supportive care only. Fungi, toxins and systemic disease can also cause meningitis. They are treated along with the cause.

Yes, but which kind does she have? Bacterial or viral? Both can be cured if caught in time.

As far as i know meningitis is like the flu version of encephalitis.

Encephalitis is life threatening, meningitis has a lot of the symptoms and is hell to go through but generally you recover with no complications.

Meningitis is the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the central nervous system, known collectively as the meninges. It may develop due to a variety of causes, including infective agents, physical injury, cancer, or certain drugs. Meningitis is a serious condition owing to the proximity of the location to the brain and spinal cord. The potential for serious damage to motor control, thought processes, or even death warrants prompt medical attention.
Cryptococcal meningitis is an infection of the meninges (the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord), caused by the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans.
Gram-negative meningitis is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (meninges) caused by gram-negative bacteria (bacteria that turn pink when exposed to a special stain).
Haemophilus influenzae meningitis is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (meninges) caused by H. influenzae bacteria.
Meningococcal meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
Pneumococcal meningitis is an inflammation or infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (also called pneumococcus).
Staphylococcal meningitis is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (meninges), caused by Staphylococcus bacteria.
Syphilitic aseptic meningitis is a complication of untreated syphilis that involves inflammation of the tissues covering the brain and spinal cord. The condition is marked by changes in mental status and problems with nerve function.
Tuberculous meningitis is an infection of the meninges (the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord). It is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis.
Please see the web pages for more details on Meningitis, Cryptococcal meningitis, Meningitis - gram-negative, Meningitis - H. influenzae, Meningitis - meningococcal, Meningitis - pneumococcal, Meningitis - staphylococcal, Syphilitic aseptic meningitis and Meningitis - tuberculous.

Yes, if not treated early and if there are complications.