Meningitis types, symptoms and treatment

Contents

• What is Meningitis?
• What Causes Meningitis?
  • Viral meningitis
  • Bacterial meningitis
• Symptoms of meningitis
• Treatment of meningitis

What is Meningitis?

Meningitis is an infectious disease that causes inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that line the brain and spinal cord..

The meninges is the name used for the three membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system), called the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater. The main function of the meninges along with the cerebrospinal fluid is to protect the central nervous system.

What Causes Meningitis?

In most cases, the main cause of meningitis is a viral infection, but it can also be caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites, or medications. Anatomical defects or a weakened immune system may be behind recurrent meningitis.

Viral meningitis

Although viral meningitis is the most common, it is rarely a serious infection. It can be caused by a number of different viruses, some of which are transmitted by mosquitoes. There is no specific treatment for this type of meningitis. In the vast majority of cases, the disease resolves in a week without any complications..

Bacterial meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is generally a serious infection. It is caused by three types of bacteria: Haemophilus influenzae type b, Neisseria meningitidis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis is known as meningococcal meningitis, while meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae is known as pneumococcal meningitis. People become infected when they are in close contact with secretions from the nose or throat of an infected person.

Thanks to the new vaccines, the incidence of bacterial meningitis in minors has decreased substantially.

Up to 59% of recurrent meningitis cases are due to anatomical defects, while 36% are due to weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of meningitis

Meningitis is not always easy to recognize. In many cases, meningitis can be progressing without any visible symptoms. In its early stages, symptoms can be similar to those of the flu. However, people with meningitis can become seriously ill within hours, so it is important to know the signs and symptoms..

The first symptoms of meningitis are:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle pain
• High temperature (fever)
• Headache
• Cold hands and feet
• A rash that doesn't go away under pressure. This rash can start as a few small spots anywhere on the body and quickly spreads looking like fresh bruises. This occurs because blood has leaked into the tissue under the skin. The rash or spots may disappear initially, but then come back.

In babies, watch for the following symptoms:

• Loud, high-pitched screams, they seem to be moaning
• A bulge in the fontanelle
• Difficulty waking up
• Apathy or stiffness, with jerky movements
• Refusal of food
• Fast, unusual, and / or difficult breathing
• Pale or blotchy skin
• Red or purple spots that don't go away under pressure

In children it is necessary to monitor if it appears:

• Neck stiffness
• Acute pain in the back and joints
• Drowsiness or confusion
• Strong headache
• Aversion to bright lights
• Very cold hands and feet
• Shaking chills
• Fast breathing
• Red or purple spots that don't go away under pressure

Treatment of meningitis

Viral meningitis clears up fairly quickly and does not usually need any medical treatment. If symptoms continue after two weeks, see a doctor again.

Treatment of severe meningitis, which is almost always bacterial (but can be viral), may require hospitalization, and includes:

• Antibiotics, usually given intravenously.
• Corticosteroids, if meningitis is causing pressure on the brain, corticosteroids (such as dexamethasone) can be given to children and adults.
• Paracetamol, as it is effective in lowering the patient's temperature. Other methods to reduce fever may include a cool bath, administering fluids, and good room ventilation..
• Anticonvulsants, if the patient has seizures.
• Oxygen therapy, if you have breathing difficulties.
• Fluid control, dehydration is common for meningitis patients. If a patient becomes dehydrated, meningitis can develop serious problems. It is crucial to administer adequate amounts of fluids. If the patient vomits or is unable to drink, fluids can be given intravenously.
• Blood test, it is important to measure the levels of sugar and sodium in the blood, as well as other vital chemical components of the body.
• Sedatives, these are given if the patient is irritable or restless.

If the meningitis is very severe, the patient may need to stay in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).