Meningitis - Causes and its Treatment

Meningitis is inflammation of the thin tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges. There are several types of meningitis. The most common is viral meningitis, which you get when a virus enters the body through the nose or mouth and travels to the brain. Bacterial meningitis is rare, but can be deadly. It usually starts with bacteria that cause a cold-like infection. It can block blood vessels in the brain and lead to stroke and brain damage. It can also harm other organs.

While there are no specific drugs for the treatment of viral meningitis, bacterial meningitis requires prompt treatment with antibiotics. Since the symptoms of viral and bacterial meningitis are often identical however, it is important to contact your doctor immediately if you think you or your child may have either form of the disease.

Causes

Meningitis may be caused by many viruses meningitis and bacteria meningitis. Bacterial meningitis affects the a little bit people in the world than the viral form, but it often results in more serious health consequences. Bacterial meningitis is present in 1 in 10 cases and leaves 1 in 7 survivors with a severe disability caused by brain injury.The main causes of Meningitis named streptococcus pneumoniae.Million cases of ear infection reported each year.

Viral meningitis is caused by viruses. Bacterial meningitis is caused by bacteria. Meningitis can also be caused by other organisms and some medicines, but this is rare. Meningitis is contagious. The germs that cause it can be passed from one person to another through coughing and sneezing and through close contact.

Symptoms

Severe headache is the most common symptom of meningitis (87 percent) followed by nuchal rigidity ("neck stiffness", found in 83%). The classic triad of diagnostic signs consists of nuchal rigidity (being unable to flex the neck forward), sudden high fever and altered mental status. All three features are present in only 44% of all cases of infectious meningitis. Other signs commonly associated with meningitis are photophobia (inability to tolerate bright light), phonophobia (inability to tolerate loud noises), irritability and delirium (in small children) and seizures (in 20-40% of cases). In infants (0-6 months), swelling of the fontanelle (soft spot) may be present.

Prevention

People who have been in contact with a confirmed case of meningitis will be offered treatment, to protect them. This will mean antibiotic tablets, possibly with the addition of an injection if the infection is the sort for which there is a vaccine. It is likely that the public health doctors will arrange this, but if you are in doubt, ask your doctor.

Treatment

Viral meningitis doesn't respond to antibiotics though doctors may prescribe painkillers for relief. Treatment is based on rest, good nutrition, plenty of fluids and good nursing care. It often clears up quickly after running its course, though headaches, tiredness, and depression can last for some time.

If you or your child has bacterial meningitis, your doctor may recommend treatments for brain swelling, shock, convulsions or dehydration. Infected sinuses or mastoids — the bones behind the outer ear that connect to the middle ear — may need to be drained. Any fluid that has accumulated between the brain and the membranes that surround it may also need to be drained or surgically removed.