Meningitis

Hearing the word meningitis causes extreme panic, and that’s because of the dangerous effects that this condition causes if left unmanaged.

Meningitis

Meningitis is the inflammation of the layer surrounding the brain and spinal cord and protecting them. Meninges consist of cerebrospinal fluid and several layers, and they also contain nerves and blood vessels.

Meningitis is contagious if the causative factor is bacterial or viral.

Types of meningitis

• Bacterial meningitis.
• Viral meningitis.
• Fungal meningitis.
• Parasitic meningitis.
• Primary amebic meningitis.
• Chronic meningitis, which means that the inflammation lasts more than a month.
• Acute meningitis, which means that the symptoms are severe and occur suddenly.
• Drug-induced aseptic meningitis, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics.
• Noninfectious meningitis results from other causes, such as some drug allergies, some cancers, and some inflammatory diseases like sarcoidosis.

Risk factors leading to meningitis

• The age younger than 5 years old.
• Skipping vaccinations.
• Pregnancy.
• Weakened immune system, such as having HIV, cancer, or diabetes.
• Living with a group of people.
• Damaged or removed spleen.
• Being in a place where the disease is common.
• Having sickle cell disease.
• Having a chronic infection like ear infections or pneumonia.
• Head and spinal cord traumas.
• Heavy alcohol consumption.

Symptoms of meningitis

Symptoms in adults and children older than 2 years:

• Sudden high fever.
• Neck stiffness.
• Extreme headaches.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Sleepiness and difficulty waking up.
• Lack of energy.
• Light sensitivity.
• Loss of appetite.
• Confusion and difficulty concentrating.
• Seizures.
• Rash.
• Amebic meningitis could cause hallucinations and a lack of balance.

Symptoms in babies and newborns:

• A bulge in the soft spot on the top of the head.
• High fever.
• Continuous crying.
• Sleepiness and difficulty waking up.
• Lack of energy.
• Loss of appetite and vomiting.
• Body and neck stiffness.

Complications of meningitis

• Brain damage.
• Hear loss.
• Memory and learning problems.
• Seizures.
• Difficulty walking.
• Kidney failure.
• Meningitis can cause permanent health issues, even after recovery.
• Death.

Diagnosis of meningitis

• Blood tests.
• Lumbar puncture.
• Imaging tests.
• Nose or throat swabs.
• Stool test.

Treatment of meningitis

The treatment depends on the causative factor, and it includes:

• Antibiotics.
• Antivirals in some cases, because most cases of viral meningitis wear off alone within one week.
• Antifungals.
• Painkillers.
• Corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation.
• IV fluids to keep the body hydrated.
• A full recovery might take weeks or months.

Prevention of meningitis

• Practicing good hygiene and washing the hands continuously.
• Taking all the vaccines.
• Take care of your health in general.
• Close the mouth when coughing and sneezing.
• Don’t eat unclean or undercooked food.
• Don’t swim in places where you’re not sure that they’re clean.
• Protect yourself from bug bites as much as possible.