Description

Meningitis is an infection and inflammation, so-called inflammation of the fluid and membranes around the brain and spinal cord. These membranes called the meninges.

Inflammation of meningitis most often triggers symptoms such as headache, fever and a stiff neck.

Viral infections are the most common cause of meningitis in the united States. Bacteria, parasites and fungi can also cause. Sometimes meningitis improvement in a couple of weeks without treatment. However, meningitis can also cause death. Often you need a quick treatment with antibiotics.

Seek medical attention immediately if you think that you or someone in your family has meningitis. For meningitis caused by bacteria, early treatment can prevent serious complications.

Symptoms

Early symptoms of meningitis may be like those of the flu. The symptoms can occur for several hours or a few days.

Symptoms in people over the age of 2 years

The following may be symptoms of meningitis in people aged 2 years or older:

  • A sudden high fever.
  • Stiffness in the neck.
  • Strong headache.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Confusion or difficulty concentrating.
  • Seizures.
  • Drowsiness or inability to wake up.
  • Sensitivity to light.
  • No desire to eat or drink.
  • Rash on the skin that sometimes, such as in meningococcal meningitis.

Symptoms in newborns and babies

The following may be symptoms of meningitis in newborns and infants:

  • High fever.
  • Constant crying.
  • You are very sleepy or irritable.
  • Difficulty waking from sleep.
  • Not to be active or inactive.
  • Not waking up to eat.
  • A bad diet.
  • Vomiting.
  • A bulge in the soft spot on the top of the baby's head.
  • The stiffness in the body and the neck.

When to see a doctor

Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone in your family has symptoms of meningitis, such as:

  • Fever.
  • Severe headache that does not go away.
  • Confusion.
  • Vomiting.
  • Stiffness in the neck.

Bacterial meningitis can cause death in a matter of days without fasting antibiotic treatment. The delay in treatment increases the risk of long-term brain damage.

Talk with your health care professional if you have been near a person with meningitis. That can be a family member or someone you live or work. You may need to take medicines to prevent the spread of infection.

Causes

Viral infections are the most common cause of meningitis in the united States, followed by bacterial infections, and, rarely, fungal and parasitic infections. Because bacterial infections can lead to death, the search for the cause is of vital importance.

Bacterial meningitis

The germs that enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain and spinal cord cause bacterial meningitis. But bacterial meningitis can also occur when bacteria enter directly in the meninges. This can be caused by an ear or sinus infection or a fracture of the skull. Rarely, some surgeries may cause.

Several strains of bacteria that can cause bacterial meningitis. The most common are:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacterium is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in infants, young children and adults in the united States. Most often cause pneumonia or ear or sinus infections. A vaccine that can help prevent this infection.
  • Neisseria meningitidis.This germ causes of bacterial meningitis called meningococcal meningitis. These germs most frequently cause an upper respiratory infection. But they can cause meningococcal meningitis when they enter the bloodstream. This is an easy-to-infection that primarily affects adolescents and young adults. May cause local outbreaks in the college dorms, boarding schools and military bases. A vaccine that can help prevent infection. Even if you are vaccinated, anyone who has been in close contact with a person with meningococcal meningitis should get an oral antibiotic. This can help prevent the disease.
  • Haemophilus influenzae. Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria, also called Hib bacteria, which was once the main cause of bacterial meningitis in children. But again Hib vaccines have greatly reduces this type of meningitis.
  • Listeria monocytogenes. These bacteria were found in the cheeses that are not pasteurized, hot dogs, and processed meats. People who are pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to be affected. During pregnancy, listeria can cross the placenta. Infections in late pregnancy may be fatal to the baby.

Neisseria meningitidis. This germ causes of bacterial meningitis called meningococcal meningitis. These germs most frequently cause an upper respiratory infection. But they can cause meningococcal meningitis when they enter the bloodstream.

This is an easy-to-infection that primarily affects adolescents and young adults. May cause local outbreaks in the college dorms, boarding schools and military bases.

A vaccine that can help prevent infection. Even if you are vaccinated, anyone who has been in close contact with a person with meningococcal meningitis should get an oral antibiotic. This can help prevent the disease.

Viral meningitis

Viral meningitis is most often mild and goes away on its own. A group of viruses known as enteroviruses, it is more often the cause in the united States. Enteroviruses are the most common in late summer and early autumn. Viruses such as herpes simplex virus, HIV , mumps virus, West Nile virus and others can also cause viral meningitis.

Chronic Meningitis

Chronic Meningitis is meningitis, with symptoms lasting at least four weeks continuous. There are many causes of chronic meningitis. The symptoms can be similar to those of new-onset meningitis. But are slower and last longer. Symptoms may include headache, fever, vomiting, and brain fog.

Fungal meningitis

Fungal meningitis is not common in the united States. Can act as bacterial meningitis. But the symptoms can start slow and build over time. Breathing in the spores of fungi present in the soil, decaying wood, and bird droppings can be the cause.

Fungal meningitis is not transmitted from person to person. Cryptococcal meningitis is a common fungal disease. It affects people with weakened immune systems, such as AIDS . Can cause death if not treated with an antifungal medication. Even with treatment, the fungal meningitis can return.

Tuberculous meningitis

This type of meningitis is a rare complication of tuberculosis, also called TB. But it can be serious. As the fungal meningitis, its symptoms may start slowly and build up over days to weeks. Tb is easily spread from person to person. Tuberculous meningitis requires treatment with medication for TUBERCULOSIS.

Parasitic meningitis

Parasites can cause a rare type of meningitis called meningitis, eosinophilic. Tapeworm infection in the brain or cerebral malaria can also cause parasitic meningitis. Meningitis amoebic is a rare type that sometimes comes from swimming in fresh water. It can quickly become deadly.

The main parasites that cause meningitis more frequently infected animals. People can become infected by eating foods that contain these parasites. Parasitic meningitis is not transmitted from person to person.

Other causes of meningitis

Causes of meningitis that are not infections that include chemical reactions, medications, allergies, some types of cancer and diseases such as sarcoidosis.

Risk factors

The risk factors for meningitis include:

  • Not getting vaccinations. The risk increases for anyone who has not obtained all the childhood or adult vaccines.
  • Age. Viral meningitis occurs most often in children under 5 years of age. Bacterial meningitis is common in those under 20 years of age.
  • They live in groups. College students living in dorms, people in the military bases, and children in schools and child care facilities are at increased risk of meningococcal meningitis. This is probably due to the germ spreads rapidly across large groups.
  • Pregnancy. Pregnancy increases the risk of an infection caused by the bacteria listeria, which can also cause meningitis. The infection increases the risk of spontaneous abortion, fetal death and preterm delivery.
  • Weakened immune system. AIDS , alcohol use disorder, diabetes, medicines that suppress the immune system and other factors that affect the immune system increase the risk of meningitis. Have a removal of the spleen, it also increases the risk. For people without a spleen, a vaccine can reduce the risk.

Complications

Meningitis complications can be severe. The more time a person has the disease without treatment, the greater the risk of seizures and long-term damage to the nervous system. Damages can include:

  • The hearing loss.
  • Problems with vision.
  • Memory problems.
  • Learning disabilities.
  • The brain damage.
  • Difficulty walking.
  • Seizures.
  • The renal failure.
  • The shock.
  • Death.

Prevention

Common germs that can cause meningitis can be spread through coughing, sneezing or kissing. Germs can also be spread by sharing eating utensils, toothbrushes, or cigarettes.

These steps can help prevent meningitis:

  • Wash your hands. Careful hand washing helps prevent the spread of germs. Teach children to wash their hands often. Teach them to wash their hands before eating and after going to the bathroom, spend time in a public place full of people, or pet the animals. Show them how to wash and rinse your hands well.
  • Practice good hygiene. Do not share drinks, food, jacking off, kitchen utensils, lip balms or toothbrushes with anyone. Teaching children and teens to avoid sharing these items also.
  • Stay healthy. Keep your immune system strong by getting enough rest, exercise regularly and eat a good diet with fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
  • Cover your mouth. When you need to cough or sneeze, make sure to cover your mouth and nose. Even better, cough or sneeze into your shoulder.
  • If you are pregnant, be careful with what you eat. To reduce the risk of listeria infection by the cooking of the meat, including hot dogs and processed meats to 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Eat only cheese made from pasteurized milk to kill germs. Check the label to make sure they are the cheeses made with pasteurized milk.

Vaccines

Vaccines can help prevent some forms of bacterial meningitis. Vaccines include:

  • Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine. This vaccine is called Hib, for short. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also called the CDC, suggest that this vaccine to children starting at 2 months of age. The vaccine is also to some adults. This includes the adults who have sickle cell disease or AIDS, and those that do not have a spleen.
  • The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. This vaccine is also called PCV15 or PCV20. The CDC suggests that this vaccine for children under 2 years of age. The vaccine also is for children between the ages of 2 to 18 years who are at high risk of pneumococcal disease.
  • The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine.This vaccine is also called PPSV23. Older children and adults who need protection from pneumococcal germs could receive this vaccine. TheCDCsuggests thePPSV23vaccine for all adults 65 years and older. Also for young adults and children ages 2 and older who have a weak immune system or chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, or sickle cell anemia. And it is for any person who does not have a spleen.
  • Meningococcal conjugate vaccine.This vaccine is also called MenACWY. TheCDCsuggests give a single dose ofMenACWYto children between the ages of 11 to 12, with a booster shot given at the age of 16. Children who receive the first vaccine between the ages of 13 and 15 years old may have the booster dose between the ages of 16 and 18. Those who receive the first dose at age 16 years and older do not need a booster. Children between the ages of 2 months and 10 years who are at high risk of bacterial meningitis can receive this vaccine. So it is possible that children in this age range who have been near someone with the disease. It is also a vaccine for people who have not been vaccinated who have been exposed to meningitis, but is not sick.
  • The vaccine against meningococcal serogroup B (MenB).TheCDCsuggests this vaccine for adults and children 10 years and older who are at increased risk of getting meningococcal disease. They include adults and children with sickle cell disease, those who have a damaged spleen, or those who have had their spleen removed. This vaccine is also for the people with the rare immune disorder is called the complement component deficiency or who take certain medications. People who are exposed to an outbreak of meningococcal disease serogroup B may also receive the vaccine.

The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. This vaccine is also called PPSV23. Older children and adults who need protection from pneumococcal germs could receive this vaccine. The CDC suggests that the vaccine PPSV23 for all adults 65 years and older.

Also for young adults and children ages 2 and older who have a weak immune system or chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, or sickle cell anemia. And it is for any person who does not have a spleen.

Meningococcal conjugate vaccine. This vaccine is also called MenACWY. The CDC suggests that a single dose of MenACWY to children between the ages of 11 to 12, with a booster shot given at the age of 16. Children who receive the first vaccine between the ages of 13 and 15 years old may have the booster dose between the ages of 16 and 18. Those who receive the first dose at age 16 years and older do not need a booster.

Children between the ages of 2 months and 10 years who are at high risk of bacterial meningitis can receive this vaccine. So it is possible that children in this age range who have been near someone with the disease. It is also a vaccine for people who have not been vaccinated who have been exposed to meningitis, but is not sick.

The vaccine against meningococcal serogroup B (MenB). The CDC suggests that this vaccine for adults and children 10 years and older who are at increased risk of getting meningococcal disease. They include adults and children with sickle cell disease, those who have a damaged spleen, or those who have had their spleen removed.

This vaccine is also for the people with the rare immune disorder is called the complement component deficiency or who take certain medications. People who are exposed to an outbreak of meningococcal disease serogroup B may also receive the vaccine.

Diagnosis

A health professional can diagnose meningitis based on a medical history, a physical examination and some tests.

Common tests to diagnose meningitis include:

  • The blood cultures. A sample of blood comes in a special dish to see if it grows germs such as bacteria. This is called a blood culture. An example can also go to a slide that is stained. Study under a microscope can show if there are germs.
  • The projection image. Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the head may show swelling or irritation. The X-ray or ct scan of the chest or sinuses may show an infection that may be linked to the meningitis.
  • Spinal tap.This procedure removes the fluid around the spinal column. In people with meningitis, the fluid often shows a low level of sugar together with an increased white blood cell count and protein. To study the fluid can also help to show which germ caused the meningitis. For viral meningitis, you may need a DNA-based test is known as a polymerase chain reaction amplification. You also may have other tests.

Spinal tap. This procedure removes the fluid around the spinal column. In people with meningitis, the fluid often shows a low level of sugar together with an increased white blood cell count and protein.

To study the fluid can also help to show which germ caused the meningitis. For viral meningitis, you may need a DNA-based test is known as a polymerase chain reaction amplification. You also may have other tests.

Treatment

The treatment depends on the type of meningitis.

Bacterial meningitis

The new onset of bacterial meningitis requires immediate treatment with intravenous antibiotics, so-called intravenous antibiotics. Sometimes corticosteroids are part of the treatment. This helps you to recover and reduces the risk of complications, such as cerebral edema and seizures.

The antibiotic or combination of antibiotics depends on the type of germ causing the infection. Until your health care professional knows the exact cause of meningitis, you can get a broad-spectrum antibiotic to fight against a wide range of germs.

Your healthcare provider may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the brain and a medication to control seizures. If a herpes virus that caused the meningitis, you can get an anti-viral medication.

Viral meningitis

Antibiotics can't cure viral meningitis. Viral meningitis tends to be better in a couple of weeks. The treatment of viral meningitis slight includes:

  • The bed rest.
  • Plenty of fluids.
  • The pain medication to help reduce the fever and relieve pain in the body.

Other types of meningitis

If the cause of the meningitis is not known, you may need to wait to start the antibiotic treatment until your health care provider find the cause.

Treatment the course of meningitis, it is called chronic meningitis, depends on the cause.

Antifungal medications in the treatment of fungal meningitis. A mixture of antibiotics are available to treat tb meningitis. However, these medications can have serious side effects. So you can wait for treatment, until a laboratory confirmed that the cause of fungal or tuberculosis.

Corticosteroids can treat meningitis due to allergic reaction or autoimmune disease. Sometimes, you do not need treatment because the condition clears up on its own. Cancer-related meningitis needs treatment for cancer.

Preparing for your appointment

Some types of meningitis can lead to death. If you have been around the bacterial meningitis and you have symptoms, go to an emergency room. Tell the health care team that you may have meningitis.

If you're not sure what you have and you call your healthcare provider for an appointment, here is how to prepare for your visit.

What you can do

  • Find out what to do before or after your appointment. Ask if you need to do anything before your appointment, such as restrict your diet. Also, ask if you may need to stay in the office to be seen after certain tests.
  • Write down your symptoms. Include changes in mood, thinking or behavior. Note when you have every symptom. Note if you have had symptoms that felt like a cold or a flu.
  • Write down key personal data. Include recent moves, travel, or around animals. If you are a college student, include information about any roommates and dorm mates who have been sick with symptoms like yours. Also tell your vaccination history.
  • Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements you take. Include the dose.
  • Have a family member or friend with you. Meningitis can be a medical emergency. Take someone who can help remind you of all the facts that you can get and that can stay with you if necessary.
  • Write questions to ask their health professional.

For meningitis, some basic questions to ask include:

  • What tests do I need?
  • What treatment do you suggest?
  • Am I at risk of long-term complications?
  • If the antibiotics do not treat my condition, what can I do to improve?
  • I can pass this condition on to others? I need to be alone?
  • What is the risk to the members of my family? In case of taking something to prevent them from getting this condition?
  • Do you have any printed information that I have? What websites do you suggest?

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare provider is likely to ask you questions, such as:

  • How bad are the symptoms? That seems to be getting worse?
  • Nothing seems to improve the symptoms?
  • He has been close to someone with meningitis?
  • Does anyone in your family has symptoms like yours?
  • Do you take medications that suppress the immune system?
  • Do you have other health problems? Are you allergic to any medications?
Symptoms and treatment of Meningitis