Meningitis is an infection of the meninges, the membranes that line the
brain and spinal column. There are two forms of this illness: viral (aseptic)
and bacterial.
Viral meningitis:
Viral, or aseptic, is more common but bacterial meningitis is more deadly
and can be fatal. The incubation period is 3-7 days. People normally feel ill
for seven to ten days, but some experience symptoms for three to four months.
Symptoms:
The symptoms normally felt by an individual are: fever, nausea and vomiting,
stiff neck irritability, headache, and sensitivity to light. As these symptoms
are similar to flu and cold symptoms, it is important to see a physician for
the correct diagnosis.
Diagnosis:
A diagnosis is made after examining fluid taken from the spinal column
during a lumbar puncture, or spinal tap. This fluid is examined for white blood
cells, or leukocytes. If these are elevated, it is known that the body’s
defenses are working to fight off an illness. Blood tests are also performed.
Treatment:
There is no treatment available for viral meningitis as it is caused by a
virus and antibiotics are ineffective. Physicians recommend rest, relaxation,
fluids and medicine to reduce fever.
Prevention:
There is no vaccine against viral meningitis. Physicians recommend hand
washing thoroughly and frequently.
Bacterial Meningitis:
Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the meninges of the brain or spinal
cord and can cause brain damage or death. It is caused by one of three types of
bacteria which are spread by direct contact with the discharge from the nose or
throat of an infected person. This is a less common form of meningitis but more
life threatening.
Symptoms:
Fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea/vomiting, confusion and rash are common
symptoms. The purplish rash on the skin or bruising under the skin that when
pressed does not disappear is a significant sign of septicemia which is very
dangerous.
Diagnosis:
As with viral meningitis, a lumbar puncture, spinal tap is performed. The
bacteria taken from this fluid is grown in a culture to determine which
bacteria it is. This determines the correct antibiotic to be used in treatment.
It is important to diagnosis bacterial meningitis early as brain damage,
seizures, coma and death can occur. Survivors may experience long term effects
can include hearing loss, mental retardation, and paralysis.
Treatment:
The effective treatment is antibiotics which should be begun early.
Prevention:
There are vaccines available for Bacterial Meningitis. You should consult
your physician for advisability of being vaccinated. Again, frequent and
thorough hand washing is always recommended.
In summary, meningitis is a serious infection affecting the brain and the
spinal column. Of the two types, viral (aseptic) and bacterial, viral is more
common, but bacterial is more life threatening. Symptoms of both are similar to
flu and cold symptoms and the only way to correctly determine meningitis is
through a lumbar puncture. It is imperative to determine this disease,
especially the bacterial form, promptly so that treatment may be started.