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Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammation of the
meninges, the membranes that cover the brain.
There are three meninges:
- Dura mater - the outside membrane that
adheres to the inside of the skull.
- Arachnoid - the middle membrane.
- Pia mater - the innermost membrane, which
adheres to the brain.
Types of meningitis:
Viral, caused by a virus
- Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial, although rarely life-threatening. -
Viral meningitis can be caused by different viruses, and is spread between people by
coughing or sneezing, or through poor hygiene. Other germs can be found in sewage polluted
water.
- Viral meningitis cannot be helped by antibiotics, treatment is based on good nursing
care.
- Recovery is normally complete, but headaches, tiredness may persist.
Bacterial, caused by a bacterium
Bacterial meningitis, although comparatively rare, is by far the most dangerous and may be
fatal.
Bacteria may be spread between people by coughing,
sneezing, and kissing, but they cannot live outside the body for long. They cannot be
picked up from water supplies, swimming pools, buildings, etc.
Symptoms: Not
all these symptoms will show at once.
Vomiting
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High Temperature
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Violent or severe headache
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Neck Stiffness
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Light Aversion
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Drowsiness
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Joint Pains
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Fitting, Confusion
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Symptoms for children may
also include:
Fever
possibly with the hands and feet feeling cold
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Refusing foods or vomiting
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High pitched moaning cry or whimpering
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Dislike of being handled, fretful
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Neck retraction with arching back
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Blank and staring expression
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Child difficult to wake lethargic
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Pale, blotchy skin colour
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Septicaemia may also
occur
Septicaemia (blood poisoning)
A rash of red or purple spots or bruises anywhere on the body is a very serious sign,
place a glass over the rash, if the spots or bruises do not turn white when pressed with
the glass; Get help immediately.
With two or more of these symptoms
consult your G.P. to eliminate a diagnosis of meningitis. Meningitis is not easy to
identify at first because the symptoms are similar to those of flu. Recognising the
symptoms early could mean the difference between life and death. Someone with meningitis
will become very ill. The illness may progress over one or two days but it can develop
quickly and sometimes in just a few hours the patient will become seriously ill.
Treatment: go to your Doctor or get
the patient to the Hospital now !
There are many forms and degrees of meningitis. Treating it depends on the type of
bacterium or virus that causes the infection. Antibiotics are used to treat
bacterial meningitis, and may also prescribed for immediate family members or others who
are in very close contact with the patient. Antibiotics are not used for viral meningitis. |
