Damien Martyn, a former Australian international cricketer, has been hospitalised and placed in an induced coma after being diagnosed with meningitis, media reports confirmed on 31 December 2025. The 54-year-old former batter fell ill around Boxing Day (26 December) and was admitted to Gold Coast University Hospital, Queensland, where clinicians identified meningitis as the cause of his sudden illness.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This condition can be caused by viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections, with the bacterial form generally considered the most severe.
Symptoms often include fever, headache, neck stiffness, nausea, light sensitivity, confusion and unconsciousness. In severe cases, the swelling of the meninges can disrupt normal brain function and become life-threatening if not treated urgently.
The condition may affect individuals of any age and is particularly dangerous because of its rapid progression and potential complications, which can include seizures, long-term neurological damage or death if not managed promptly.
Hospital care for severe meningitis typically involves broad-spectrum antibiotics (for bacterial causes), supportive care for breathing and blood pressure, and close neurological monitoring, which may include sedation and induced coma to reduce brain stress and inflammation.
Cricket Australia and family representatives have released limited information but confirmed that Martyn remains in serious condition under medical care. He has been sedated and placed in an induced coma, a medically controlled state used in some critical illnesses to support recovery by reducing metabolic demand on the brain and allowing close monitoring by critical care teams.
Adam Gilchrist, former teammate and long-time friend, has spoken on behalf of Martyn’s family, stating that he is receiving the best available treatment and that the family appreciates the support and well wishes from the public.
Meningitis is treated as a medical emergency, particularly when bacterial in origin, because of its ability to affect the central nervous system rapidly. Immediate hospitalisation and intensive care are standard, with treatment tailored to the suspected cause (bacterial vs viral).
In suspected bacterial meningitis, antibiotics and corticosteroids are administered urgently, and patients may require supportive therapies for blood pressure, oxygenation and intracranial pressure management.
An induced coma is a serious measure used in critical care settings when a patient’s brain is at risk or when profound sedation is needed for other intensive treatments. This state helps protect brain tissue by reducing metabolic demand and controlling seizures or intracranial pressure. Such interventions are typically overseen by intensive care specialists.
Public health guidance on meningitis emphasises early symptom recognition since rapid progression can lead to serious outcomes. Symptoms like severe headache, neck stiffness, high fever, nausea, confusion and sensitivity to light warrant immediate medical evaluation, especially when they appear suddenly or in combination.
Vaccination against certain bacterial forms (e.g., meningococcal and pneumococcal vaccines) is recommended in many countries to reduce the risk of serious meningitis. Other preventive strategies include good hygiene practices and prompt medical care for infections that could spread to the central nervous system.
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