EPIDEMIC CEREBROSPINAL MENINGITIS

EPIDEMIC CEREBROSPINAL MENINGITIS

Overview and Facts

Epidemic Cerebrospinal meningitis (PCSM), also known as meningococcal meningitis, is caused by a rare type of bacteria called Neisseria miningitidis or also called meningococcus. Such bacteria may cause infection in a certain part of your body such as your skin, respiratory tract, or gastrointestinal tract. A severe head trauma, surgery, or infection may also increase the possibility that the bacteria may enter your nervous system.

Once you are exposed to the bacteria that cause this condition, there is a high risk that you would acquire such a condition. A recent respiratory infection may also increase the risk of having CSM.

You must immediately seek medical help once you start noticing the symptoms. Preventing such conditions from causing further damage is much better than not doing anything at all.

Types and Symptoms

TYPES

Cerebrospinal meningitis is a type of bacterial meningitis that can cause serious complications such as hearing loss and brain damage, and may even lead to death if not diagnosed and treated immediately.

SYMPTOMS

Signs and symptoms of cerebrospinal meningitis vary from case to case.

The following are the most common signs and symptoms of such disease:

  • Reddish or purple skin rash
  • Persistent headaches
  • A sudden high fever
  • Stiff neck
  • Vomiting or nausea
  • Confusion
  • Seizures
  • Difficulty waking up or drowsiness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Shivering hands or feet
  • Mood changes
  • Blotchy skin
  • Rapid breathing
  • Excessive sleepiness

Other symptoms of meningitis that affects infants include the following:

  • High-pitched cries
  • Floppy movements in babies and toddlers
  • Bulging soft spot

 

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose a patient with cerebrospinal meningitis, the physician would usually perform a series of examinations such as CT scans, MRI, blood, and skin tests. The doctors will then examine the samples to determine the causes of infection. It is important to identify the main cause of infection to give the appropriate treatment.

TREATMENT

Your physician may start using antibiotics such as ceftriaxone or penicillin. You and your child may also be required to take other medications to treat problems that are related to spinal fluid pressure. Physicians may also recommend the use of steroids.

Vaccines may also help prevent the occurrence of such infection. The following includes:

  • Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine
  • Meningococcal conjugate vaccine
  • Serogroup B Meningococcal B

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