Meningitis is the inflammation of the coverings around the brain and spinal cord.It is mainly caused due to bacterial and viral infections thus the meningitis is of two types
- Viral meningitis fairly common
- Bacterial meningitis which is not common but very severe
CAUSES FOR MENINGITIS?
- May be caused by virus, bacteria, other organisms and due to some medicines which is very rare
- The germs that cause meningitis can be spread from person to person
SYMPTOMS:
- A stiff and painful neck
- fever
- headache
- vomiting
- seizures
- photo phobia (intolerance to bright light)
- phonophobia (intolerance to loud noises)
HOW IT IS DIAGONISED
FOR any patient who is suspected of having meningitis ,it is important to perform a lumbar puncture, in which spinal fluid known as CSF is collected for testing. Tests that may be done include
- Blood culture
- chest X-Ray
- CSF examination for cell count,glucose,and protiens
- CT scan of head
- Gram stain
TREATMENT
Bacterial or severe viral meningitis may require treatment in a hospital including
- ANTIBIOTICS are given through vein but only when it is Bacterial meningitis else the usage of antibiotics when they are not needed may cause drug resistance
- CORTICOSTEROIDS medicines such as dexamethasone may be given in order to reduce pressure within the brain
- Measures such as ACETAMINOPHEN is given in order to reduce fever
- medicines such as PHENOBARBITAL OR DILANTIN can be given to reduce seizures
- Oxygen Therapy may be given if the patient have trouble breathing and to increase the amount of oxygen in all parts of the body
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