Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges. This inflammation is usually caused by an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
CAUSES
Meningitis is usually caused by bacteria or viruses, but can be a result of injury, cancer, or certain drugs.
Bacterial meningitisBacteria that enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain and spinal cord cause acute bacterial meningitis. But it can also occur when bacteria directly invade the meninges. This may be caused by an ear or sinus infection, a skull fracture, or, rarely, after some surgeries.
Viral meningitis
Viral meningitis is usually mild and often clears on its own. Most cases in the United States are caused by a group of viruses known as enteroviruses, which are most common in late summer and early fall. Viruses such as herpes simplex virus, HIV, mumps, West Nile virus and others also can cause viral meningitis.
Fungal meningitis
Fungal meningitis is relatively uncommon and causes chronic meningitis. It may mimic acute bacterial meningitis. Fungal meningitis isn't contagious from person to person. Cryptococcal meningitis is a common fungal form of the disease that affects people with immune deficiencies, such as AIDS.
Chronic meningitis
Slow-growing organisms (such as fungi and Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that invade the membranes and fluid surrounding your brain cause chronic meningitis. Chronic meningitis develops over two weeks or more. The symptoms of chronic meningitis — headaches, fever, vomiting and mental cloudiness — are similar to those of acute meningitis.
Other meningitis causes
Meningitis can also result from noninfectious causes, such as chemical reactions, drug allergies, some types of cancer and inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis.SIGN AND SYMPTOMS
1. Sudden high fever
2. Stiff neck
3. Severe headache that seems different than normal
4. Headache with nausea or vomiting
5. Confusion or difficulty concentrating
6. Seizures
7. Sleepiness or difficulty waking
8. Sensitivity to light
9. No appetite or thirst
9. Skin rash (sometimes, such as in meningococcal meningitis)
RISK FACTORS
Risk factors for meningitis include:
1.Skipping vaccinations. Risk rises for anyone who hasn't completed the recommended childhood or adult vaccination schedule.2. Age. Most cases of viral meningitis occur in children younger than age 5. Bacterial meningitis is common in those under age 20.
3. Living in a community setting. College students living in dormitories, personnel on military bases, and children in boarding schools and child care facilities are at greater risk of meningococcal meningitis. This is probably because the bacterium is spread by the respiratory route, and spreads quickly through large groups.
4. Pregnancy. Pregnancy increases the risk of listeriosis — an infection caused by listeria bacteria, which also may cause meningitis. Listeriosis increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature delivery.
5. Compromised immune system. AIDS, alcoholism, diabetes, use of immunosuppressant drugs and other factors that affect your immune system also make you more susceptible to meningitis. Having your spleen removed also increases your risk, and patients without a spleen should get vaccinated to minimize that risk.
COMPLICATIONS
1. seizures
2. hearing loss
3. brain damage
4. hydrocephalus
5. a subdural effusion, or a buildup of fluid between the brain and the skull
PREVENTION
1. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
2. Getting adequate amounts of rest
3. Not smoking
4. Avoiding contact with sick people
5. Avoid kissing and handshaking
6. Vaccinations
7. Consult your doctor.
REFERENCES
http://www.healthline.com/health/meningitis
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meningitis/symptoms-causes/dxc-20169522
https://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/
