SPINAL MENINGITIS - WatsonsHealth

SPINAL MENINGITIS

Overview & Facts

Meningitis is a condition that happens when the covering or meninges that surround the brain and the spinal cord are inflamed. It can bring symptoms such as a severe headache, stiffness of the neck, and fever.

Many cases of meningitis are caused by bacteria, viruses and even fungi. A few instances of viral meningitis disappear without treatment in several weeks. Those caused by bacteria may require antibiotic treatment for weeks.

Consult a doctor is you feel that somebody may have meningitis. Immediate treatment of bacterial meningitis should be done to prevent complications.

Types & Symptoms

In its early stages, meningitis may resemble flu. Symptoms may develop more than a few hours or over a couple of days.

Symptoms of meningitis in anyone older than the age of 2 include:

  • Sudden high fever
  • Stiff neck
  • Severe headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Seizures
  • Drowsiness
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Lack of appetite or thirst
  • Skin rash

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor or pediatrician can diagnose meningitis with a medical history, a physical exam and certain tests. During the exam, your doctor may check for infections in various parts of the body.

Tests may include the following:

  • Blood cultures
  • Imaging tests of the head, such as computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging
  • Spinal tap or lumbar puncture

 

TREATMENT

The treatment relies upon the type of meningitis you may have.

For bacterial meningitis, intravenous antibiotics and steroids may be given.

For viral meningitis, antibiotics are not needed, and the infection may improve on its own. The patient is usually subjected to bed rest, plenty of fluids and pain medicines.

Other types of meningitis, your doctor may prescribe antiviral and antibiotic treatment while waiting for test results.

Chronic meningitis is treated based on its etiology.

Noninfectious meningitis may be due to hypersensitivity or autoimmune disease and may be treated with steroids.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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