An infection and inflammation of the fluid and membranes encircling the brain and spinal cord is known as meningitis. Meninges are the name for these membranes.
It usually causes symptoms like fever, headaches, and stiff necks due to inflammation.
Infection with a virus is the primary cause of it in the US. However, fungi, bacteria, and parasites can also be the cause. Without medical intervention, some cases resolve in a matter of weeks. Others have the potential to be fatal and call for immediate antibiotic therapy.
If you think you may have meningitis or that someone in your family does, get medical attention right away. Serious complications from bacterial meningitis can be avoided with early treatment.
Symptoms
The early signs can resemble those of the flu. The onset of symptoms could take several hours or even several days.
For those who are older than two years old, possible symptoms include:
- abrupt elevation of temperature.
- rigid neck.
- severe headache.
- vomiting or nausea.
- confusion or difficulty focusing.
- seizures.
- drowsiness or difficulty waking.
- light sensitivity.
- neither thirst nor appetite.
- sometimes there is a skin rash, as in meningococcal meningitis.
Symptoms in infants
Infants and newborns may exhibit these symptoms:
- elevated temperature.
- crying all the time.
- being agitated or excessively tired.
- having difficulty waking up from sleep.
- being lethargic or passive.
- not getting up to eat.
- inadequate nourishment.
- throwing up.
- a protrusion in the baby’s head’s soft spot.
- stiffness around the neck and body.
It can be challenging to soothe a baby who has it. Holding them may even make them cry more.
Causes
It is most frequently caused by viral infections. Bacterial infections come next, and in rare cases, fungal and parasitic infections. Finding the cause is critical because bacterial infections can be fatal.
Gram-positive meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream and make their way to the brain and spinal cord. However, direct bacterial invasion of the meninges can also result in it. A fractured skull, an ear or sinus infection, or—rarely—some surgeries could be the cause of this.
It can be caused by various strains of bacteria, most frequently:
Pneumococcal streptococcus. In the US, this bacterium is the most frequent cause of bacterial meningitis in newborns, young children, and adults. Pneumonia or sinus or ear infections are more frequently caused by it. This infection can be avoided with a vaccine.
The meningitidis virus. Meningococcal meningitis is the name given to the bacterial meningitis caused by this bacterium. Although they typically cause upper respiratory infections, these bacteria can, if they get into the bloodstream, cause meningococcal meningitis. This is a highly contagious infection that primarily affects young adults and teenagers. In boarding schools, military bases, and dorms for college students, it might start local epidemics.
Vaccines can aid in the prevention of illness. Anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has meningococcal meningitis, even if they have received vaccinations, should take an oral antibiotic to prevent the illness.
Influenzae haemophilus. The bacterium known as Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) used to be the main culprit behind bacterial meningitis in children. However, the incidence of this kind of meningitis has significantly decreased thanks to new Hib vaccinations.
Monocytogenes of Listeria. Lunchmeats, hot dogs, and unpasteurized cheeses all contain these bacteria. Pregnant women, newborns, elderly adults, and those with compromised immune systems are the most vulnerable. Listeria can cross the placenta during pregnancy. The unborn child may die from infections in late pregnancy.
Meningitis caused by viruses
Most cases of viral meningitis are mild and resolve on their own. Enteroviruses are a class of viruses that cause the majority of cases in the United States. Early fall and late summer are when they’re most prevalent. Viral meningitis can also be brought on by viruses like the West Nile virus, HIV, mumps virus, and herpes simplex virus.
Meningitis that persists
Long-lasting meningitis, known as chronic meningitis, can be brought on by slow-growing organisms like fungi and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. They infiltrate the fluid and membranes that envelop the brain. The course of chronic meningitis takes at least two weeks. Acute meningitis, which is a sudden, new case, has symptoms similar to this one. Headache, fever, nausea, and mental fog are a few of them.
Meningitis caused by fungi
It is uncommon for fungal meningitis to occur in the US. Acute bacterial meningitis may be mimicked. Inhaling fungal spores, which can be found in soil, rotting wood, and bird droppings, is how it’s typically contracted.
There is no way for fungal meningitis to spread between people. A common fungal form of the illness is cryptococcal meningitis. It affects those who have compromised immune systems, like those who have AIDS. If an antifungal medication is not taken, it can be fatal. It meningitis may recur even after treatment.
Worm-related meningitis
Eosinophilic meningitis is an uncommon form of meningitis that can be brought on by parasites. Cerebral malaria or a tapeworm infection in the brain can also result it. Sometimes swimming in fresh water can expose one to the rare form of amoebic meningitis, which can quickly become fatal.
Typically, animals are infected by the primary parasites that cause it. Typically, eating food tainted with these parasites is how people become infected. People do not contract parasitic form from one another.
Other causes
Non-infectious causes can also lead to it. These comprise drug allergies, chemical reactions, certain cancers, and inflammatory illnesses like sarcoidosis.
Complications
Severe complications can arise from it. The longer you or your child waits for treatment, the higher the chance of seizures and irreversible brain damage, such as:
- loss of hearing.
- memory issues.
- difficulties with learning.
- brain injury.
- difficult to navigate.
- seizures.
- renal failure.
- surprise.
- demise.
Even those with severe meningitis can make a full recovery with early intervention.
Prevention
It can be transmitted by common bacteria or viruses that are spread by coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing cigarettes, toothbrushes, or eating utensils.
These actions can lessen the risk of meningitis:
Hands up. Thorough hand washing contributes to the reduction of germs. Instruct kids to frequently wash their hands, particularly before eating and after using the restroom, visiting a busy public space, or petting animals. Demonstrate to them how to properly wash and dry their hands.
Maintain proper hygiene. Never share food, beverages, straws, cutlery, lip balms, or toothbrushes with other people. Teach teenagers and kids not to share these things as well.
Remain well. Get enough sleep, engage in regular exercise, and eat a nutritious diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support your immune system.
Keep your mouth shut. Make sure to cover your mouth and nose when you need to sneeze or cough.
When you’re expecting, watch what you eat. Cooking meat to 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius), especially hot dog and deli meat, lowers your risk of contracting listeria. Steer clear of cheeses produced using raw milk. Select cheeses that are made with pasteurised milk and are clearly labelled as such.
