12 Commonly Asked Questions about Meningitis
Meningitis is a potentially fatal condition. You may have a
lot of questions if you or someone you care about is at risk for meningitis. These are some of the most frequently asked questions about meningitis. meningitis medicine
is meningitis and how does it affect you?
Meningitis is a condition in which the membranes that cover
the brain and spinal cord become inflamed and swollen. Meninges are the
membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. An infection is the most
common cause of meningitis. This disease has the potential to kill you or leave
you with serious long-term consequences.
causes meningitis and how can you prevent it?
Viruses and bacteria are the two most common causes of
meningitis. Infections caused by common bacteria or viruses can occur in any
part of the body, including the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and respiratory
tract. They may then spread to the nervous system via the bloodstream. Bacteria
can also enter the nervous system after a severe head injury or surgery, as
well as after a head infection.
Meningitis can also be caused by fungi, protozoa, and other
parasites. Cancer, other diseases, or even certain medications can cause
inflammation of the meninges in very rare cases. meningitis vitamin
is bacterial meningitis, and what causes it?
Bacterial meningitis is a serious condition that occurs more
frequently during the winter months. The bacterium Neisseria meningitidis,
which causes meningococcal disease, is a common cause of meningococcal disease
in teenagers. If you don't get help right away, it could be fatal. The bacteria
that cause it can be found in up to a quarter of the population's noses and
throats. Why these bacteria occasionally travel to the nervous system that
causes meningitis is unknown. Another common cause of bacterial meningitis is
is viral meningitis and how does it affect you?
Meningitis caused by a virus is more common and generally
less serious. It happens more frequently in the summer and fall. Many people
mistake it for the flu because of its flu-like symptoms. Viruses that cause
"stomach flu" can cause viral meningitis, but the majority of people
who get them don't get it. Chickenpox, mononucleosis (mono), and herpes viruses
are among the viruses that cause meningitis. The symptoms are often mistaken
for those of bacterial meningitis.
is likely to be exposed to meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis can strike anyone at any age. However,
it is more common in infants and small children, as well as people over the age
of 60. Teenagers and college students are also at higher risk due to close
contact with peers. Viruses meningitis affects people of all ages, though it is
more common in children. Meningitis is also more likely if you have a weakened
immune system or if you travel to certain foreign countries.
meningitis be passed from one person to another?
The bacteria and viruses that cause meningitis are spread
through close contact, not casual contact at work or school. Kissing, coughing,
and sneezing all fall under this category. These bacteria and viruses can be
spread by sharing eating utensils, glasses, food, or towels.
do you know if you have meningitis?
The following are some of the more common signs and symptoms
of meningitis, though they may vary.
- Fever is very high.
- Headaches that are severe and persistent
- Neck stiffness
- Uncomfortably in bright lights
Rashes, seizures, and coma are some of the later symptoms.
Infants with meningitis may be drowsy, irritable, or have difficulty feeding.
should I do if I suspect someone I know is suffering from meningitis?
Make a phone call to your doctor and explain the signs and
symptoms. If you are unable to reach a doctor, go to the nearest emergency room
as soon as possible.
do doctors determine whether or not a patient has meningitis?
In addition to taking a medical history and performing a
physical examination, the doctor will take a spinal tap to obtain a sample of
spinal fluid. To remove the fluid, the doctor inserts a needle into the lower
base of the spinal cord but inside the sac. The doctor looks for signs of
inflammation and infection in this sample.
Other tests that may be performed include:
- A neurological examination is performed to assess nerve, motor, and sensory function, as well as hearing, speech, and vision, as well as balance and mental status.
- Tests of the blood and urine
- Culture of the throat
- Abnormalities in the brain tissue can be detected using imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- If there are concerns about seizures, an electroencephalogram (EEG) will be performed.
What methods do doctors use to treat meningitis?
You may need to be admitted to the hospital depending on the
severity of your illness. Bacterial infections must be treated as soon as
possible with intravenous antibiotics. This could happen before the diagnosis
is confirmed. Treatment for viral infections focuses on symptom relief and
supportive care (IV fluids, fever-reducing medications, etc.).
may also include the following if necessary:
- Intravenous fluids are a type of intravenous fluid that is injected
- Anticonvulsants are prescribed for any type of seizure.
- Other options for treating brain swelling
What are meningitis' long-term consequences?
The severity of meningitis is determined by the source of
infection, the speed with which treatment is initiated, and the extent to which
the person becomes ill. However, the following are potential long-term
consequences of the disease:
- Headaches that come and go
- Problems with memory or concentration
- Aggression or mood swings
- Clumsiness or balance issues
- Deafness can be temporary or permanent.
- Vision loss, seizures, or brain damage are all possibilities (rare)
there a way to avoid meningitis?
To prevent bacterial meningitis, four vaccines are
available. Teenagers entering high school or college (and who will be living in
a dorm) should be vaccinated if they have not been previously vaccinated.
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