Meningitis is a serious condition that affects the membranes (meninges) that enclose and protect the brain and spinal cord from outside invasion. The meninges can become damaged and, when they do, infectious agents can penetrate them and invade the brain, the spinal cord, and the spinal fluid. Meningitis refers to the irritation or inflammation of the meninges due to invasion by such agents. Meningitis can be divided into aseptic meningitis, which is non-bacterial meningitis, and bacterial meningitis.
Fever
Headache, diffuse and severe
Stiff neck
Vomiting
Sensitivity to light
Confusion
Drowsiness
Rash or tiny areas of bleeding under the skin are present in more serious types of meningitis.
Skin rash, Diarrhea, or lung infection may be present, depending on the causes.
Coma and death can occur if meningitis is untreated or spreads to the brain.
Aseptic meningitis:
Viruses are the most common cause of aseptic meningitis. More than 50 viruses, such as the herpes, Influenza, HIV, and the Measles virus, can cause meningitis, but enteroviruses are the most common cause.
Fungi, parasites, and chemicals are less common causes of aseptic meningitis.
Bacterial meningitis: Some bacteria that cause meningitis normally live in the nose, mouth, or intestines. Bacterial infections in other parts of the body, such as sinus or ear, can spread via the bloodstream and cause meningitis.
The most common bacterial causes are:
Group B-Streptococcus (most common in < 1 month old)
Neisseria meningitidis (most common in 2-18 years old)
Streptococcus pneumoniae (most common in ages 19-59 and > 60 years old)
Haemophilus Influenzae (more common after 1 month old)
Listeria monocytogenes can cause disease in all ages.
Exposure to others with bacterial or viral Infections
Blood infection (bacterial or non-bacterial)
Infection of other parts of the body such as sinuses
Presence of other illnesses such as AIDS or cancer
Treatments that weaken the immune system such as chemotherapy
Intravenous drug abuse and sharing dirty needles in addicts
History of exposure to others with meningitis
Physical exam by a physician
Examination of the spinal fluid via a spinal tap (needle is inserted between the vertebrae of the spine and fluid withdrawn and sent to laboratory) is the gold standard.
Blood, urine, and, occasionally, phlegm or other secretions are analyzed to look for the infectious agent and its source.
X-rays, such as of the chest and CT scan of the brain, may be necessary.
Hospitalization
Intravenous antibiotics
Antiviral or fungal therapy
Treatment of vomiting, fever, headache, and Seizures
Evaluation by a specialist (i.e., neurologist)
Meningitis is a true emergency and must be treated immediately. Some forms of aseptic meningitis can become chronic (i.e., last for months or years), so report all persistent symptoms to doctor.
Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)
Brain abscess, subdural effusion
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
Hydrocephalus
Ventriculitis
Migraine
Stroke
Severe Infections that has not spread to the meninges
Brain hemorrhage
Vaccination can prevent some bacterial or viral infections.
Meningitis can cause permanent brain damage and even death.
Prognosis is good for all types, if treated early.
Some cases may permanently damage the body (i.e., hearing loss as seen in Mumps meningitis).
Some forms of aseptic meningitis can become chronic (i.e., last for months or years).
