Meningitis
POSTED August 23, 2010 - 16:54 | POSTED BY Anonymous
Last edited by Rakhi on August 23, 2010 - 16:56
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that collectively cover and protect the brain and the spinal cord. Depending upon the cause of infection, meningitis is either an out-patient disease, or a life-threatening emergency.
Causes
Meningitis is usually caused by an infection by microorganisms– viral, bacterial or fungal. However, non-infectious causes like malignant meningitis (cancer in the meninges), adverse effects of certain drugs or other diseases like mumps and herpes can also precipitate an attack.
While viral meningitis is the mildest form of disease that typically clears within two weeks span, bacterial meningitis is serious and most damaging.
Bacterial meningitis is a result of a bacterial invasion into the bloodstream. The bacteria then migrate to the brain and spinal cord. Acute ear or sinus infection or a skull fracture can also prop up bacterial invasions. It is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate hospitalization.
Fungal meningitis, the rarest form, is also a life-threatening emergency. It typically affects people with a weakened immune system.
Prevention
Typically resulting from contagious infections, meningitis can be prevented by practicing a complete personal hygiene. Microorganisms that cause meningitis easily spread through coughing, sneezing and kissing.
Besides general measures to prevent meningitis, a comprehensive immunization plan including vaccines namely Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7), Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) and Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4), enhance immune security.
Symptoms:
Basic flu-like symptoms like high fever, severe headache and vomiting or nausea surface in meningitis too. In addition, typical symptoms include nuchal rigidity (neck stiffness), photophobia (intolerance to bright light) and phonophobia (intolerance to loud noises).
As newborns and infants cannot exhibit the classic signs of the disease symptoms like constant crying, irritability, poor feeding, bulging of the fontanelle (the soft spot on top of a baby's head) should be watched for. Afflicted babies cry harder when picked up.
Cures:
Depending on the cause of the infection a treatment plan follows. The type of infection is gauged by assessing a sample of the cerebrospinal fluid.
Viral meningitis, the mildest form of the disease is typically self-limiting. Most cases improve within two weeks without therapy. However, over-the-counter pain relievers help alleviate symptoms. In some cases doctors might prescribe antiviral drugs.
Bacterial meningitis
Antibiotic treatment is the most pronounced treatment for treating bacterial meningitis. Acute bacterial meningitis is treated with intravenous antibiotics. This ensures speedy recovery and a slashed risk of complications.
Fungal meningitis
Antifungal drugs such as amphotericin B and flucytosine aid treatment of fungal meningitis. They are usually administered in long high dose courses.
