Meningitis is a medical condition caused by inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known collectively as the meninges. The inflammation is usually caused by infection with viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms but may also arise due to certain drugs, or other diseases.Meningitis is potentially life threatening due to the inflammation’s proximity to the brain and spinal cord; it is therefore a medical emergency.

There are two main forms of meningitis, bacterial meningitis, and viral meningitis. Bacterial meningitis affects fewer people than the viral form, but it often results in more serious health consequences. Bacterial meningitis is fatal in 1 in 10 cases and leaves 1 in 7 survivors with a severe disability caused by brain injury. Viral meningitis is far more common than the bacterial form and, in most cases, much less debilitating. Most people exposed to viruses that cause meningitis experience mild or no symptoms and fully recover without complications. The disease can be caused by many different viruses. Some of the viruses are transmitted by coughing or sneezing or through poor hygiene. Other viruses can be found in sewage polluted waters.

The symptoms of meningitis are similar for both bacterial and viral forms of the disease. Adults and older children typically experience: 

It is almost always caused by an infection, usually by a bacteria (bacterial meningitis) or a virus (viral meningitis). In rare cases it can be triggered by a fungus or parasite. Meningitis occurs most commonly in young children under 5, those aged 17-25 (who often live in close quarters like dormitories and barracks), and people over age 55. People with compromised immune systems, such as people with HIV or AIDS, are also at increased risk.

• Fever and chills  
• Headache  
• Vomiting  
• Stiff neck (patient may not be able to curl up in bed with nose to knees)  
• Irritability and drowsiness  
• Eyes that are sensitive to light  
• Delirium and confusion (uncommon) 
• Seizures (rare)  
• Coma (rare)  

Symptoms in infants and young children include: 

• Whimpering and crying in a high-pitched tone  
• Difficulty in waking and very lethargic when awake  
• Fussiness when being held or cuddled  
• Arching the back and retracting the neck  
• Staring blankly at their surroundings  
• Having a high fever and cold hands and feet  
• Refusing food
• Vomiting
• Appearing pale or blotchy

 

Tags: Bacteris, Brain, Meninges, Meningitis, Spinal Cord, Virus

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 13th, 2009 at 11:04 am and is filed under Disease, Flu, Info, Virus. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.