Meningitis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Peter Rodrick
November 17, 2008
Meningitis is an inflammation of the leptomeninges and underlying subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Meningitis is the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the central nervous system, known collectively as the meninges. Meningitis is a disease involving inflammation, or irritation, of the meninges
Causes
The bacteria and virus that cause general illness can also caused meningitis. Sometimes the bacteria and viruses that infect the skin, urinary system, gastrointestinal or respiratory tract can spread by the bloodstream to the meningitis through cerebrospinal fluid, the fluid that circulates in and around the spinal cord.
Meningitis can be caused from a direct spread of a severe infection such as an ear infection or sinus infection. In some cases, meningitis is noted after head trauma or an injury to the head or brain. There are several causes of meningitis. These include Bacterial infection,
Meningitis Symptoms
Obviously the signs or symptoms would be inline with the reactions or rather lack of reactions from the brain, through the spinal chord to the respective nerve ending. Any action or re-action is originated from the brain. Visa-versa any lack of reaction or action would mean some part of the brain is malfunctioning.
Those signs, which occur within first, eight hours of an attack of meningitis, are most important. In simple word if you are looking out for common symptoms then you run the risk of overlooking the typical symptoms, relating to the more deadly and critical strain of meningitis, and it may be too late to stop irreparable damage. Symptoms differ from person to person, so all the more difficult to categorize.
Meningitis also often leads to irritability. In more severe cases the patient may even reach to the point of seizure. Small children, with an undeveloped mind in a state such as this, are some times found to be delirious. In infants, when meningitis is most serious, swelling of the fontaneele, the soft spot, may happen. This is due to the child's skull being unable to keep it's normal shape with the swelling present. It is even possible to diagnose meningitis after death has occurred. The inflammation that comes with meningitis stays with the body after death. This is also true even if the patient has died of other causes, although this is less common. Because of this, bodies containing early signs of meningitis are often sought after by universities for use of cadavers. They are considered a great asset and resource to teaching students about the effects of meningitis.
Treatment for Meningitis Tips
Acute bacterial meningitis requires prompt treatment with intravenous antibiotics to ensure recovery and reduce the risk of complications.
Pneumovax (also known as Prevenar) against Streptococcus pneumoniae is recommended for all people 65 years of age or older.
Drugs such as dexamethasone are sometimes given to reduce inflammation or to reduce the chance, or spread, of septicemia.
Antifungals to combat the infection are usually administered, as well as fluids and medicine to control pain and fever.
Visit Natural Treatments. Also visit Breast Enhancement Products and Breast Care Products
Causes
The bacteria and virus that cause general illness can also caused meningitis. Sometimes the bacteria and viruses that infect the skin, urinary system, gastrointestinal or respiratory tract can spread by the bloodstream to the meningitis through cerebrospinal fluid, the fluid that circulates in and around the spinal cord.
Meningitis can be caused from a direct spread of a severe infection such as an ear infection or sinus infection. In some cases, meningitis is noted after head trauma or an injury to the head or brain. There are several causes of meningitis. These include Bacterial infection,
Meningitis Symptoms
Obviously the signs or symptoms would be inline with the reactions or rather lack of reactions from the brain, through the spinal chord to the respective nerve ending. Any action or re-action is originated from the brain. Visa-versa any lack of reaction or action would mean some part of the brain is malfunctioning.
Those signs, which occur within first, eight hours of an attack of meningitis, are most important. In simple word if you are looking out for common symptoms then you run the risk of overlooking the typical symptoms, relating to the more deadly and critical strain of meningitis, and it may be too late to stop irreparable damage. Symptoms differ from person to person, so all the more difficult to categorize.
Meningitis also often leads to irritability. In more severe cases the patient may even reach to the point of seizure. Small children, with an undeveloped mind in a state such as this, are some times found to be delirious. In infants, when meningitis is most serious, swelling of the fontaneele, the soft spot, may happen. This is due to the child's skull being unable to keep it's normal shape with the swelling present. It is even possible to diagnose meningitis after death has occurred. The inflammation that comes with meningitis stays with the body after death. This is also true even if the patient has died of other causes, although this is less common. Because of this, bodies containing early signs of meningitis are often sought after by universities for use of cadavers. They are considered a great asset and resource to teaching students about the effects of meningitis.
Treatment for Meningitis Tips
Acute bacterial meningitis requires prompt treatment with intravenous antibiotics to ensure recovery and reduce the risk of complications.
Pneumovax (also known as Prevenar) against Streptococcus pneumoniae is recommended for all people 65 years of age or older.
Drugs such as dexamethasone are sometimes given to reduce inflammation or to reduce the chance, or spread, of septicemia.
Antifungals to combat the infection are usually administered, as well as fluids and medicine to control pain and fever.
Visit Natural Treatments. Also visit Breast Enhancement Products and Breast Care Products
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