Meningitis is a rare infection which occurs when there is an inflammation of the fluid surrounding the three membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord (meninges). Usually, when this swelling from meningitis happens, it triggers symptoms such as headache, fever and stiffness. Meningitis can be transmitted by coughing, sneezing or close contact.
COMMON CAUSES OF MENINGITIS
Meningitis is commonly caused by viral and bacterial infections which are contagious, others could be:
- Cancer
- Chemical reactions or irritation
- Fungi
- Drug allergies
SYMPTOMS
These symptoms of early meningitis are very similar to the flu and may develop over several hours or over a few days. For persons older than the age of 2, the possible signs include:
- Sudden high fever
- Stiff neck and severe headache that would seem very different from normal
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Seizures and sensitivity to light
- Sleepiness or difficulty waking
- Sometimes, skin rash
Signs in newborns
- High fever
- Constant crying
- Inactivity or sluggishness
- Difficulty waking from sleep or waking to eat
- Excessive sleep
- Poor feeding and vomiting
- A bulge in the soft spot on top of a baby’s head
- Stiffness in the body and neck
TREATMENT PATTERNS
Meningitis treatment is usually determined by the cause or trigger.
Bacterial meningitis if diagnosed and treated early will prevent brain damage and death which means it requires immediate hospitalization. It is treated with intravenous antibiotics (no specific one).
Fungal meningitis: this is treated with antifungal medications.
Parasitic meningitis: This involves treating just the symptoms or infections directly.
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