Meningitis

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the lining that protects the brain and spinal cord. It is almost always caused by an infection, usually by a bacteria or a viral meningitis. In cases it can be triggered by a fungus.

Meningitis occurs commonly in young children under 5 those aged 17-25 and people over age 55. People with compromised immune systems, such as people with HIV, are also at increased risk.

Causes

There are two main forms of meningitis:

• Bacterial meningitis
• Viral meningitis.

Causes of noninfectious meningitis such as including:

• Widespread metastatic cancer)
• Contaminated water
• Head injury
• Birth defect of the skull, brain surgery
• Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories ( ibuprofen, naproxen) and antibiotics.

Symptoms

• May be variable and subtle
• Altered responsiveness ranging from irritability to lethargy
• Vomiting and decreased oral intake
• Fever is common but not universal, especially in the neonate.

Signs

• May be irritability alone or nonspecific
• May not have nuchal rigidity (especially in infants under 1 year)
• Seizures
• Altered mental status and signs of circulatory collapse, such as mottling or decreased capillary refill
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation can be sequela of septic shock.

Treatment

Urgent treatment with antibiotics and appropriate hospital management is essential for someone with bacterial meningitis. The sooner they are diagnosed and treated, the greater chance there is they will make a full recovery. Anyone who has been in direct, close, prolonged contact with the infected person should be given appropriate protective antibiotics if necessary. Viral meningitis cannot be helped by antibiotics and treatment is based on good nursing care. Recovery is normally complete, but headaches, tiredness and depression may persist for weeks or even months.