Overview Of The Causes And Complications Of Meningitis

Meningitis is a condition in which the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord become inflamed. It can develop due to viral, bacterial, or fungal causes, and it is sometimes fatal. While vaccines are available to prevent certain types of this condition, patients are encouraged to become familiar with the symptoms associated with various types of meningitis. Patients with this condition may experience a headache, fever, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, nausea, and loss of appetite. These symptoms normally develop rapidly, and emergency hospital treatment is often necessary. To diagnose meningitis, doctors perform a physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies, and a spinal tap (lumbar puncture). Treatment for the condition typically consists of intravenous antibiotics, corticosteroids, and rest. Patients who develop seizures as a result of meningitis will also be treated with anticonvulsants.

Some of the most common types of meningitis and their causes and complications are described below.

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is often a mild form of the condition, and it is frequently caused by enteroviruses, a group of viruses that are especially common over the late summer and early fall in the United States. Mumps, West Nile virus, HIV, and the herpes simplex virus can also lead to viral meningitis. Although viral meningitis cannot be treated with antibiotics, most patients completely recover without treatment within a couple of weeks. If treatment is required, doctors normally begin by recommending bed rest and over-the-counter pain medications to alleviate fever and muscle aches. If necessary, corticosteroids might be prescribed to reduce swelling of the brain, and patients who have had seizures will be given an anticonvulsant. If the patient's viral meningitis is caused by the herpes virus, effective antiviral medication is available for treatment.

Uncover more details on the causes and complications linked to the various types of meningitis now.

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is one of the most serious forms of the condition. The infection can develop if certain bacteria enter the bloodstream. Some of the recognized groups of bacteria associated with bacterial meningitis are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitides, Haemophilus influenzae, and Listeria monocytogenes. Vaccines are available to protect against the first three of these bacteria groups. Listeria monocytogenes are found in hot dogs, lunch meats, and unpasteurized cheese. The symptoms associated with bacterial meningitis have a very rapid onset, and they can become serious or even life-threatening within a few hours. Patients may notice a severe, persistent headache, and they may also have vomiting, nausea, high fever, confusion, and a stiff neck. New skin rashes could also develop very quickly. To reduce the risk of serious complications, patients with any of these symptoms should be taken to an emergency room immediately. If bacterial meningitis is confirmed, high doses of strong intravenous antibiotics will be administered, and the patient will likely need to be placed in the intensive care unit.

Learn about fungal meningitis next.