Meningitis
Meningitis is a condition whereby the protective membranes covering the central nervous system (or meninges) become inflamed. Most cases of meningitis are due to an attack of micro-organisms.
Meningitis: Informative Video
The most common types are bacterial (caused by bacteria), viral (viruses) and fungal (fungi), spreading into the blood and then spinal fluid. Other possible causes include physical injury, cancer, or negative reaction to certain drugs.
Meningitis, although possibly described in the Middle Ages, it was first identified during an outbreak in Geneva, Switzerland in 1805.
Meningitis
Meningitis is a serious condition because of how close it occurs to the spinal cord and brain. Serious problems can occur to motor control, through processes, and some cases can be fatal. Disabilities resulting from meningitis include: stroke (and thereby brain damage), hearing loss, hydrocephalus (enlarged head and brain atrophy), or cerebral palsy.
Bacterial meningitis has a high mortality rate, and as such, even suspected bacterial meningitis must be treated immediately through antibiotics. Then laboratory tests can be completed on the blood and spinal fluid.
Viral meningitis, however, cannot be killed by antibiotics, and may require hospitalization and extended care.
Fungal meningitis is not very common (often found in people with AIDS), and is usually treated with anti-fungal medication.
Meningitis usually presents itself with any of the following symptoms: fever, headache, nausea/vomiting, sensitivity to light/sound, drowsiness or confusion, twitching, insomnia, irritability, sore throat, delirium (most in children), seizures, or stiff neck.
Recognize the symptoms of meningitis and make sure to take action immediately. There are vaccines currently available for meningitis, but they only target the bacterial type.
