Meningitis is a relatively rare infection that affects the delicate membranes, called meninges witch cover the brain and spinal cord. Bacterial meningitis can be deadly and contagious among people in close contact.
Meningitis is usually caused by bacteria or viruses, but can be a result of injury, cancer, or certain drugs.
Types of Meningitis
- Bacterial Meningitis
Meningitis caused by bacteria, like Streptococcus pneumoniae, group B Streptococcus, and Neisseria meningitidis can be life threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Vaccines are available to help protect against some kinds of bacterial meningitis.
- Viral Meningitis
Meningitis caused by viruses, like enteroviruses, arboviruses and herpes simplex viruses, is serious but often is less severe than bacterial meningitis, and people with normal immune systems usually get better on their own. There are vaccines to prevent some kinds of viral meningitis.
- Fungal Meningitis
Fungal meningitis is caused by fungi like Cryptococcus and Histoplasma and is usually acquired by inhaling fungal spores from the environment. People with certain medical conditions like diabetes, cancer, or HIV are at higher risk of fungal meningitis.
- Parasitic Meningitis
Various parasites can cause meningitis or can affect the brain or nervous system in other ways. Overall, parasitic meningitis is much less common than viral and bacterial meningitis.
- Amebic Meningitis
Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare and devastating infection of the brain that is caused by a free-living microscopic ameba called Naegleria fowleri which is found naturally in warm water and soil.
- Non-infectious Meningitis
Sometimes meningitis is not spread from person to person, but is instead caused by cancers, systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), certain drugs, head injury, and brain surgery.
Symptoms
Symptoms among teens and young adults
- A stiff and painful neck, especially when you try to touch your chin to your chest.
- Fever.
- Headache.
- Vomiting.
- Trouble staying awake.
- Seizures.
Symptoms among children, older adults, and people with other medical problems
- Babies may be cranky and refuse to eat. They may have a rash. They may cry when held.
- Young children may act like they have the flu. They may cough or have trouble breathing.
- Older adults and people with other medical problems may have only a slight headache and fever.
diagnosing
Lumbar puncture is the most important lab test for meningitis. It is also called a spinal tap. A sample of fluid is removed from around the spine and tested to see if it contains organisms that cause the illness.
Some times it may need a CT scan, or a MRI.
Treatments
- Bacterial meningitis is treated with antibiotics in a hospital. The patient will be watched carefully to prevent serious problems such as hearing loss, seizures, and brain damage.
- Viral meningitis is more common, and most people with this form of the illness get better in about 2 weeks. Taking medicine for fever and pain and drinking enough fluids to stay hydrated are included in treatments.
Prevention
- Give all the standard immunizations for children. These include shots for measles, chickenpox, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) disease, and pneumococcal infection.
- Ask your doctor whether you / your child also needs the meningococcal vaccine, which is a shot to prevent bacterial meningitis.
