What is Meningitis?
It is a rare infection, which causes inflammation of the tissues that surround the brain and spinal cord called the meninges. Meninges are the three membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
Meningitis can occur when the fluid nearby meninges get infected. This infection can happen to anyone of any age, but it is more common in a person with weak immune systems. NO vaccine provides 100% protection against meningitis.
What are the the types of Meningitis?
- Bacterial Meningitis
- Viral Meningitis
- Fungal Meningitis
- Parasitic Meningitis
- Amoebic Meningitis
- Non-Infectious Meningitis
- Chronic Meningitis
What are the causes of Meningitis?
Each type of meningitis has a slightly different cause, but each type eventually acts in the same way.
Viral meningitis – This is the most common meningitis. It occurs when a virus enters the body through the nose and mouth and travels to the brain.
Bacterial Meningitis – It is rare meningitis but can be deadly. It causes stroke, hearing loss, and brain damage.
Fungal Meningitis – This meningitis is very rare, but people can get this by inhaling fungal spores from the surroundings. People with other medical issues like, cancer, diabetes or HIV have high chances of having fungal meningitis.
Parasitic Meningitis – It can be caused by parasites, which affect the brain or nervous system in different ways. It is less common as compared to viral or bacterial meningitis.
Amoebic Meningitis – It is an infrequent and devastating infection of the brain caused by ‘NAEGLERIA fowler’. This is a free-living microscopic amoeba that lives in warm water and soil.
Non-Infectious Meningitis
Cancer, lupus, certain drugs, a head injury can cause this meningitis.
What are the symptoms Of Meningitis?
- A High Temperature
- Cold Hands And Feet
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Breathing Quickly
- Muscle And Joint Pain
- Spot Or Rash
- Headache
- A Stiff Neck
What are the prevention options Of Meningitis?
Some steps to prevent meningitis are:
- Wash your hands properly
- Practice good hygiene
- Stay healthy
- Complete your medication course
- Always cover your mouth
- Take adequate rest
- If you’re pregnant, take care with food
- Smoking cessation
- Stay away from infected people
What are the treatment options for Meningitis?
Each type of meningitis have different treatments
Bacterial Meningitis
Antibiotics, corticosteroids, anti-convulsant.
Viral Meningitis
Taking proper rest, drinking plenty of fluids, corticosteroids. Antibiotics, corticosteroids, anti-convulsant.
Fungal and Non-infectious Meningitis
Fungal meningitis can be cured by antifungal agents, and non-infectious can be treated by corticosteroids.