Meningitis is considered to be inflammation and infection of the fluid as well as membranes that surround the spinal cord and brain. Meningitis inflammation will lead to symptoms like a stiff neck, fever, and headache. In most cases, the cause of meningitis will be a viral infection. However, fungi, parasites, and bacteria can also cause meningitis. In certain cases, meningitis will gradually improve within some weeks without any treatment. But some of them may even lead to death and it has to deal with emergency use of antibiotics. It is better to take medical help at the earliest. Treating bacterial meningitis can help to avoid complications.
Symptoms Of Meningitis
Early meningitis shows similar symptoms to the flu. Within a few hours or days, symptoms may develop. The most common symptoms of meningitis for people above 2 years are
- Unexpected high fever
- Acute headache
- Stiff neck
- Vomiting or nausea
- Difficulty to concentrate
- Stroke
- Dizziness
- Sensitivity to light
- Lack of thirst and appetite
- Skin rashes
Infants and newborns may show some other symptoms.
- Continuous crying
- High fever
- Irritated and sleepy
- Trouble waking up
- Inactive
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting
- Stiffness in the neck and body
- Bulge on the head
It will be hard to deal with babies suffering from meningitis. They will cry continuously, which will be difficult to manage.
You must immediately consult a doctor if you have symptoms like
- High fever
- Confusion
- Acute headache
- Stiff neck
- Vomiting
Bacterial meningitis is extremely dangerous and if not taken with antibiotic treatment, it can even become fatal. A delay in treatment can also increase the chances of enduring brain damage. If you have had close contact with meningitis, do not delay in consulting a medical professional.
Causes
The most common reason that leads to meningitis is viral infection. It will be later followed by severe bacterial infections or rarely, parasitic or fungal infections. It is very important to know about the causes of meningitis as bacterial infection can be fatal.
Bacterial Meningitis
When bacteria enter the bloodstream, it will travel to the spinal cord and brain, leading to bacterial meningitis. It will also happen when bacteria directly get into the meninges. It can happen through a sinus or ear infection, a fracture in the skull, and in some cases, surgeries.
Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is mostly light and can diminish itself within some days. Enteroviruses are the most common agents of viral meningitis. Some other viruses like West Nile virus, mumps virus, HIV, herpes simplex virus, etc can also cause viral meningitis.
Fungal Meningitis
Fungal meningitis can be quite similar to bacterial meningitis. It will easily spread from one person to another. It is mostly affected in people with low immune systems. If antifungal treatment is not taken, it may even cause.
Parasitic Meningitis
Eosinophilic meningitis is the most common meningitis caused by parasites. Tapeworm infection in the human brain or cerebral malaria may also cause parasitic meningitis. The parasitic infection mostly affects animals and humans get it through foods containing these parasites.