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Meningitis
Overview:
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes (meninges) and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord, usually due to the spread of an infection. The swelling associated with meningitis often triggers the "hallmark" symptoms of this condition, including headache, fever and a stiff neck.
Signs and Symptoms:
It's easy to mistake the early signs and symptoms of meningitis for the flu (influenza). Meningitis symptoms may develop over a period of one or two days and typically include:
* A high fever
* Severe headache
* Vomiting or nausea with headache
* Confusion, or difficulty concentrating — in the very young, this may appear as inability to maintain eye contact
* Seizures
* Sleepiness or difficulty waking up
* Stiff neck
* Sensitivity to light
* Lack of interest in drinking and eating
* Skin rash in some cases, such as in viral or meningococcal meningitis
Causes and Organs Affected:
Meningitis usually results from a viral infection, but the cause may also be a bacterial infection. Less commonly, a fungal infection may cause meningitis. Because bacterial infections are the most damaging, identifying the source of the infection is an important part of developing a treatment plan.
Risk Factor:
Not completing the childhood vaccine schedule increases your risk of meningitis. So do a few other risk factors: Age, Living in a community setting, Pregnancy, Working with animals and Compromised immune system.
Treatment:
Acute bacterial meningitis requires prompt treatment with intravenous antibiotics to ensure recovery and reduce the risk of complications. The antibiotic or combination of antibiotics that your doctor may choose depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection. Often, analyzing a sample of cerebrospinal fluid can help identify the bacteria. If you or your child has bacterial meningitis, your doctor may recommend a broad-spectrum antibiotic until he or she can determine the exact cause of the meningitis.
Other Information:
Meningitis typically results from contagious infections. Common bacteria or viruses that can cause meningitis can spread through coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing eating utensils, a toothbrush or a cigarette. You're also at increased risk if you live or work with someone who has the disease.