What You Need to Know About Meningitis

Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, the protective layers that cover the brain and spinal cord. These membranes serve a crucial role in safeguarding the brain and spinal cord from injury. Meningitis can affect individuals of any age but is more commonly observed in babies, children, teenagers, and young adults.

It is important to note that meningitis is distinct from encephalitis, which refers to inflammation of the brain itself. Meningitis is a serious condition that can become life-threatening if not treated swiftly.

Causes of Meningitis

Meningitis can be classified based on its cause:

Viral meningitis	The most common form of meningitis, often less severe than bacterial meningitis. Typically caused by viruses responsible for illnesses such as chickenpox, influenza, mumps, and measles. Those with a healthy immune system can usually recover without medical intervention. However, given the potential severity of any meningitis, medical evaluation is essential if symptoms arise.
Bacterial meningitis	A life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Several bacteria are known to cause this type of meningitis. Symptoms usually develop within three to seven days after exposure, though tuberculosis (TB) meningitis can take longer to manifest. Can lead to sepsis, a severe and potentially fatal reaction where the body’s response to infection causes widespread inflammation. Without timely treatment, sepsis can lead to organ failure and death.
Fungal meningitis	Rare and typically occurs when fungal spores are inhaled from the environment, eventually reaching the central nervous system. More common in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Parasitic meningitis	A rare type of meningitis occurs due to parasites, usually those that infect animals. May be contracted through the ingestion of food contaminated with these parasites.

Risk Factors

Individuals at higher risk for meningitis include babies and young children, teenagers and young adults, the elderly, individuals with weakened immune systems (e.g. due to HIV, cancer, or immune-suppressing medications), those with incomplete vaccination schedules, and those who abuse alcohol.

Although meningitis itself is not contagious, the bacteria and viruses that cause it can be spread between individuals, especially through close contact.

Symptoms

Meningitis symptoms may vary, but common signs include fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, sensitivity to light (photophobia), confusion, drowsiness, joint pain, seizures, and rash (petechiae).

For babies, symptoms may differ from those in adults and be harder to identify. Key signs in infants include a bulging ‘soft spot’ (fontanelle) on the head, difficulty feeding, unusual drowsiness or difficulty waking up, lethargy, and a high-pitched cry.

Complications of Meningitis

Meningitis can lead to serious long-term health problems, including:

Hearing loss (partial or complete)
Vision loss (partial or complete)
Memory and concentration issues
Recurrent seizures
Coordination and balance problems
Learning and behavioural difficulties in children
Arthritis (inflammation of the joints)
Loss of limbs

Diagnosis

Diagnosing meningitis involves reviewing the patient’s medical history, conducting a physical examination, and performing diagnostic tests. The doctor will assess symptoms such as neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, and changes in mental state.

Common diagnostic methods include:

Lumbar puncture (spinal tap): Testing cerebrospinal fluid for infection.
Blood tests: To check for infection markers.
Imaging tests: CT scans or MRIs to assess for swelling or other abnormalities in the brain.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause of meningitis. Typical approaches include:

Antibiotics for bacterial meningitis.
Antiviral medications for viral meningitis.
Antifungal drugs for fungal meningitis.
Steroids to reduce inflammation around the brain, if necessary.
Pain relief medications.
Intravenous (IV) fluids for hydration.

In cases of viral meningitis, symptoms may resolve without treatment within seven to 10 days. However, bacterial and fungal meningitis often require prolonged treatment, and full recovery can take weeks or months.

Preventing Meningitis

Preventative measures include:

Ensuring up-to-date vaccinations for babies, children, and teenagers.
Vaccinations for high-risk individuals (e.g., those travelling to areas with high rates of bacterial meningitis).
Prophylactic antibiotics for individuals at high risk of bacterial infection.
Safe food handling practices.
Maintaining good hygiene.
Avoiding close contact with individuals who are unwell.
Avoiding contaminated water sources.
Cooking meat and seafood thoroughly.

Schedule an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals

Meningitis is a serious condition requiring prompt medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the chances of recovery and reduce the risk of complications. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of meningitis, seek immediate medical advice.

At Gleneagles Hospitals, our team of highly experienced neurologists is ready to provide expert care and support. Book an appointment today to discuss any concerns about meningitis or other neurological conditions. We are committed to providing the highest standard of personalised care for you and your family.

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