Meningitis

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meningeal membranes (membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord).

Swelling associated with meningitis often causes characteristic signs and symptoms such as headache, fever, and neck stiffness.

Most cases of meningitis are of viral etiology, but there are also bacterial and fungal infectious meningitis. Depending on the cause of the infection, meningitis sometimes clears up on its own within a few weeks, or it is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate treatment with antibiotics.

If you think you or a family member has meningitis, be sure to call 911 Early treatment of bacterial meningitis can prevent severe complications

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Meningitis is usually caused by a viral infection, but it can also be bacterial More rarely, meningitis is caused by fungi Because bacterial meningitis is serious and life-threatening, it is important to accurately determine the source of the infection before a treatment plan can be formulated

Bacterial Meningitis

Acute bacterial meningitis occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and multiply in the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can also develop through direct entry of bacteria, such as during ear infections, skull fractures, and rarely, after surgery.

Certain types of bacteria cause acute bacterial meningitis The most common microorganisms are:

• Pneumococcus – Streptococcus pneumoniae This bacterium most commonly causes meningitis in newborns, infants, children, and adults The bacterium is more likely to cause pneumonia or ear infections than meningitis There is a vaccine that reduces the risk of infection with this bacterium
• Meningococcus – Neisseria meningitidis This bacterium is also a common cause of meningitis Meningococcal meningitis often develops after an upper respiratory tract infection, when the bacteria enters the bloodstream This infection is very easily transmitted Meningococcal meningitis is common in adolescents and young adults and often causes local epidemics in college dormitories, boarding schools, and army barracks. There is a vaccine that reduces the risk of infection with this bacterium
• Haemophilus influenzae This bacterium is a common cause of meningitis in children Thanks to new vaccines that have been added to the list of mandatory vaccinations for children, the number of cases of meningitis caused by this bacterium has decreased significantly.
• Listeria – Listeria monocytogenes This bacteria can be found in soft cheeses, sausages and processed meats Fortunately, healthy people do not get sick if Listeria is ingested, but it is possible to become infected in pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and patients with weakened immune systems. Listeria crosses the placental barrier, which means that if infected in the last stages of pregnancy, stillbirth or fetal abnormalities may develop. Patients with weakened immunity are most often sick with listeria

Viral Meningitis

Each year, viruses cause far more cases of meningitis than bacteria. Viral meningitis is usually mild and will go away on its own A group of viruses – enteroviruses are responsible for most cases These viruses circulate in late summer and early fall Viruses such as herpes simplex, HIV, mumps, West Nile virus, etc They also cause viral meningitis

Chronic Meningitis

Chronic forms of meningitis develop when the infecting microorganisms slowly, gradually develop and invade the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid. Acute meningitis begins quickly, and chronic - after 2 weeks or more Signs and symptoms are similar to those of acute meningitis: headache, fever, vomiting, mental problems

Fungal meningitis

Fungal meningitis is relatively rare and causes chronic meningitis Sometimes, fungal meningitis can resemble bacterial, acute meningitis Fungal meningitis is not transmitted from person to person Cryptococcal meningitis is common in people with compromised immune systems, such as those infected with HIV/AIDS. This condition is life-threatening if not treated in time with antifungal drugs

In 2012, there were cases of fungal meningitis due to contaminated injections Fungal meningitis was then associated with contaminated medication injected into patients' spinal cords to treat neck or back pain.

Other causes

Meningitis may be caused by non-infectious causes, such as chemical reactions, drug allergies, cancer, inflammatory diseases (eg sarcoidosis)

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The early signs and symptoms of meningitis are similar to those of the flu These symptoms develop within hours or days

In patients older than 2 years:

• Sudden, high fever
• Severe headache that is not like other pains
• Stiff neck
• Vomiting or nausea with headache
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating
At this time, the following often appear:

• High fever
• Prolonged crying
• Drowsiness or irritability
• Inflexibility, lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Swelling of soft tissue on the newborn's head (chilblains)
When to see a doctor

Seek emergency medical care if a family member has signs and symptoms of meningitis:

• Fever
• Severe headache that is not like other pains
• Confusion
Antibiotic therapy is effective Delayed treatment increases the risk of permanent brain damage Also, bacterial meningitis can prove fatal to the patient in just a few days

You won't know which type of meningitis a child has until you take them to the doctor and have a cerebrospinal fluid test.

It is also important to take preventative medicine if someone in your family or workplace has meningitis.