Meningitis is an acute inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known collectively as the meninges. The inflammation may be caused by infection with viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms, and less commonly by certain drugs. Meningitis can be life-threatening because of the inflammation's proximity to the brain and spinal cord; therefore, the condition is classified as a medical emergency.
Causes
Meningitis is typically caused by an infection with microorganisms. Most infections are due to viruses, with bacteria, fungi, and protozoa being the next most common causes. It may also result from various non-infectious causes.
1. Bacterial :
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Escherichia coli
- Neisseria meningitidis
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
2. Viral :
- Enteroviruses
- Herpes simplex virus
- Varicella zoster virus (known for causing chickenpox and shingles)
- Mumps virus
- HIV
3. Fungal :
- Cryptococcus neoformans
- Coccidioides immitis
- Histoplasma capsulatum
- Blastomyces dermatitidis
- Candida species.
4. Parasitic
5. Non-infectious :
- Meningitis may occur as the result of several non-infectious causes: spread of cancer to the meninges (malignant or neoplastic meningitis) and certain drugs (mainly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and intravenous immunoglobulins).
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Signs and Symptoms
1. Sudden high fever
2. Severe headache
3. Stiff neck
4. Vomiting or nausea with headache
5. Confusion or difficulty concentrating
6. Seizures
7. Sleepiness or difficulty waking up
8. Sensitivity to light
9. Lack of interest in drinking and eating
10. Skin rash in some cases, such as in meningococcal meningitis
11. Poor feeding
Diagnosis
1. Diagnosing meningitis starts with a health history and physical exam. Age, dorm residence, and day care center attendance can serve as important clues. A physical exam may show:
- Fever
- Increased heart rate
- Neck stiffness
- Reduced consciousness
2. Meningitis is usually diagnosed with a Lumbar Puncture. This test is also called a spinal tap. It allows doctors to look for increased pressure in the central nervous system. It can also find inflammation or bacteria in the spinal fluid. This test can also help determine the best antibiotic for treatment.
3. CBC with Differential is a general index of health. It checks the number of red and white blood cells. White blood cells fight infection. The count is usually elevated in meningitis.
4. Blood cultures look for bacteria in the blood. Bacteria can travel from the blood to the brain. Meningococcus and pneumococcus can cause both sepsis and meningitis.
5. Chest x-rays can reveal the presence of pneumonia, TB, or fungal infections. Meningitis can occur after pneumonia.
6. A CT scan of the head can show problems like brain abscess or sinusitis. Bacteria can spread from the sinuses to the meninges.
Treatment
Treatment is determined by the cause of meningitis.
1. Bacterial meningitis requires immediate hospitalization. Treatment will be with intravenous antibiotics. Early diagnosis and treatment are important. They help prevent brain damage and death. There is no specific antibiotic for meningitis. It depends on the bacteria involved.
2. Fungal meningitis is treated with anti-fungal agents.
3. Viral meningitis isn’t treated. It usually resolves on its own. Symptoms should go away within two weeks. There are no serious long-term problems associated with viral meningitis.
Complications
The following complications are associated with meningitis :
✎ Seizures
✎ Hearing loss
✎ Brain damage
✎ Hydrocephalus (water on the brain)
✎ Subdural effusion (buildup of fluid between the brain and the skull).
Related Article :
- Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke)
- 7 Facts About Human Brain
- 5 Tips To Rest Your Brain
Causes
Meningitis is typically caused by an infection with microorganisms. Most infections are due to viruses, with bacteria, fungi, and protozoa being the next most common causes. It may also result from various non-infectious causes.
1. Bacterial :
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Escherichia coli
- Neisseria meningitidis
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
2. Viral :
- Enteroviruses
- Herpes simplex virus
- Varicella zoster virus (known for causing chickenpox and shingles)
- Mumps virus
- HIV
3. Fungal :
- Cryptococcus neoformans
- Coccidioides immitis
- Histoplasma capsulatum
- Blastomyces dermatitidis
- Candida species.
4. Parasitic
5. Non-infectious :
- Meningitis may occur as the result of several non-infectious causes: spread of cancer to the meninges (malignant or neoplastic meningitis) and certain drugs (mainly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and intravenous immunoglobulins).
Related Article :
- Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke)
- 7 Facts About Human Brain
- 5 Tips To Rest Your Brain
Signs and Symptoms
1. Sudden high fever
2. Severe headache
3. Stiff neck
4. Vomiting or nausea with headache
5. Confusion or difficulty concentrating
6. Seizures
7. Sleepiness or difficulty waking up
8. Sensitivity to light
9. Lack of interest in drinking and eating
10. Skin rash in some cases, such as in meningococcal meningitis
11. Poor feeding
Diagnosis
1. Diagnosing meningitis starts with a health history and physical exam. Age, dorm residence, and day care center attendance can serve as important clues. A physical exam may show:
- Fever
- Increased heart rate
- Neck stiffness
- Reduced consciousness
2. Meningitis is usually diagnosed with a Lumbar Puncture. This test is also called a spinal tap. It allows doctors to look for increased pressure in the central nervous system. It can also find inflammation or bacteria in the spinal fluid. This test can also help determine the best antibiotic for treatment.
3. CBC with Differential is a general index of health. It checks the number of red and white blood cells. White blood cells fight infection. The count is usually elevated in meningitis.
4. Blood cultures look for bacteria in the blood. Bacteria can travel from the blood to the brain. Meningococcus and pneumococcus can cause both sepsis and meningitis.
5. Chest x-rays can reveal the presence of pneumonia, TB, or fungal infections. Meningitis can occur after pneumonia.
6. A CT scan of the head can show problems like brain abscess or sinusitis. Bacteria can spread from the sinuses to the meninges.
Treatment
Treatment is determined by the cause of meningitis.
1. Bacterial meningitis requires immediate hospitalization. Treatment will be with intravenous antibiotics. Early diagnosis and treatment are important. They help prevent brain damage and death. There is no specific antibiotic for meningitis. It depends on the bacteria involved.
2. Fungal meningitis is treated with anti-fungal agents.
3. Viral meningitis isn’t treated. It usually resolves on its own. Symptoms should go away within two weeks. There are no serious long-term problems associated with viral meningitis.
Complications
The following complications are associated with meningitis :
✎ Seizures
✎ Hearing loss
✎ Brain damage
✎ Hydrocephalus (water on the brain)
✎ Subdural effusion (buildup of fluid between the brain and the skull).
Related Article :
- Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke)
- 7 Facts About Human Brain
- 5 Tips To Rest Your Brain
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