What is Meningitis?

Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi and non-infectious conditions can cause meningitis.

What are the Types of Meningitis?

Types of meningitis are named according to their causes and how long they have been going on. These include: Bacterial meningitis Viral meningitis Acute meningitis: Bacterial meningitis is usually acute, meaning symptoms are severe and appear suddenly. Fungal meningitis Parasitic meningitis (meningitis caused by some parasites.) Drug-induced aseptic meningitis: Rarely, some medications cause drug-induced aseptic meningitis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics are the most common causes of drug-induced aseptic meningitis. Chronic meningitis. When meningitis lasts a month or longer, it is called chronic meningitis. Meningitis occurring after spinal anesthesia. 

Who is at High Risk of Meningitis?

The following people are at higher risk for meningitis: Children under five years old and infants.

The majority of all cases of bacterial meningitis affect children and infants under the age of five. People with a weakened immune system. It is possible for people living with HIV or cancer, those who have had an organ or bone marrow transplant, or those who use immunosuppressant medications to have a weakened immune system. People with leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. People without a spleen or with a damaged spleen. People who live in or have traveled to places where infectious diseases that cause meningitis are common. People with chronic nose and ear infections, pneumococcal pneumonia, or a common blood infection. People with a head injury, traumatic brain injury, or spinal cord injury. People living with sickle cell disease.

People with alcohol addiction What are the Symptoms of Meningitis? 

High fever. Vomiting (Vomiting without nausea). Confusion. Neck stiffness. Kernig, Brudzinski positivity. Castings on the body. How to Treat Viral Meningitis? Antibiotics cannot kill viruses, and using antibiotics in the absence of bacterial infection can cause harmful effects, such as developing antibiotic resistance. There is no specific treatment for viral meningitis, which is usually mild. Most often, people recover from viral meningitis within seven to ten days with little more than rest, antipyretics or pain medications, and appropriate fluid intake. However, if meningitis caused by the herpes virus or flu is present, the doctor may recommend an antiviral drug treatment.

How to Treat Bacterial Meningitis?

It is treated with one or more antibiotics that target the bacteria causing the infection.

What are the Treatment Methods for Other Types of Meningitis? 

Fungal meningitis is treated with long-term high-dose intravenous antifungal medications. Other antifungals may also be used, depending on the type of infection. Corticosteroids may be used in addition to the above medications to reduce the inflammation of meningitis. This is especially important in bacterial meningitis; For this reason, steroids are often given along with antibiotics.