What Is
Meningitis?
Meningitis is a relatively rare
infection that affects the delicate membranes -- called meninges (men-in'-jeez)
-- that cover the brain and spinal cord. Bacterial meningitis can be deadly and
contagious among people in close contact. Viral meningitis tends to be less
severe and most people recover completely without specific therapy. Fungal
meningitis is a rare form of meningitis and generally occurs only in people
with weakened immune systems.
What Causes
Meningitis?
Meningitis is almost always caused by
a bacterial or viral infection that began elsewhere in the body, such as in the
ears, sinuses, or upper respiratory tract. Less common causes of meningitis
include fungal infection, syphilis, tuberculosis, autoimmune disorders, and
medications.
Viral
Meningitis
Viral meningitis is more common than
the bacterial form and generally but not always
less serious. It can be triggered by a number of viruses, including
several that can cause diarrhea. People with viral meningitis are more likely
to recover without specific treatment.
Who Is Most
at Risk for Meningitis?
Anyone can develop just about any
kind of meningitis. But research has shown that some age groups have higher
rates of meningitis than others. They are:
Children under age 5
Teenagers and young adults age 16-25
Adults over age 55
Studies have shown that meningitis is
more of a danger for people with certain medical conditions, such as a damaged
or absent spleen, chronic disease, or immune system disorders. Because certain
germs that cause meningitis can be contagious, outbreaks are most likely to
occur in places where people are living in close quarters. So college students
in dorms or army recruits in barracks are at higher risk of meningitis due to
close contacts.
Symptoms
Early meningitis symptoms may mimic
the flu (influenza). Symptoms may develop over several hours or over a few
days. Possible signs and symptoms in anyone older than the age of 2 include:
Sudden high fever
Stiff neck
Severe headache that seems different
than normal
Headache with nausea or vomiting
Confusion or difficulty concentrating
Seizures
Sleepiness or difficulty waking
Sensitivity to light
No appetite or thirst
Skin rash (sometimes, such as in
meningococcal meningitis)
Signs in
newborns and infants
High fever
Constant crying
Excessive sleepiness or irritability
Inactivity or sluggishness
Poor feeding
A bulge in the soft spot on top of a
baby's head (fontanel)
Stiffness in a baby's body and neck
Infants with meningitis may be
difficult to comfort, and may even cry harder when held.
When to see
a doctor
Seek immediate medical care if you or
someone in your family has meningitis symptoms, such as:
Fever
Severe, unrelenting headache
Confusion
Vomiting
Stiff neck
Bacterial
meningitis is serious, and can be fatal within days without prompt antibiotic
treatment. Delayed treatment increases the risk of permanent brain damage or
death.
It's also
important to talk to your doctor if a family member or someone you work with
has meningitis. You may need to take medications to prevent getting the
infection.
By: Umaru Maryam Hadejia
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