Can viral meningitis resolve without medical intervention. How long does viral meningitis typically last. Is viral meningitis contagious and potentially life-threatening. What are the main causes and symptoms of viral meningitis.

Understanding Viral Meningitis: An Overview

Viral meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It’s the most common form of meningitis and is generally less severe than its bacterial counterpart. While viral meningitis can often resolve on its own, it’s crucial to seek medical evaluation if you suspect you have the condition.

Key Characteristics of Viral Meningitis

• Typically milder than bacterial meningitis
• Often resolves without specific treatment
• Caused by various viruses
• More common in children and those with weakened immune systems

Common Causes of Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis can be caused by a variety of viruses. The most frequent culprits include:

1. Non-polio enteroviruses (most common cause)
2. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2
3. Varicella zoster virus (causes chickenpox and shingles)
4. Epstein-Barr virus
5. HIV
6. Influenza virus
7. Mumps virus
8. Measles virus
9. Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Are certain individuals more susceptible to viral meningitis? Indeed, children under 5 years old and people with weakened immune systems due to diseases, medications, or recent surgeries are at higher risk. Infants younger than 1 month and immunocompromised individuals are more likely to experience severe symptoms.

Transmission and Contagiousness of Viral Meningitis

Is viral meningitis contagious? Yes, but it’s important to note that while the viruses causing meningitis are generally easily transmitted, viral meningitis itself is not readily passed between individuals. Transmission typically occurs between people in close, regular contact.

Modes of Transmission

• Direct contact with infected bodily fluids (feces, mucus, saliva)
• Contact with contaminated surfaces
• Respiratory droplets (for viruses like mumps, measles, and influenza)
• Sexual contact or sharing of needles (in the case of HIV)

When are viral meningitis infections most common? In temperate climates, these viruses spread predominantly during summer and autumn. However, in tropical and subtropical regions, infection rates remain high throughout the year.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis typically presents with milder symptoms compared to bacterial meningitis. However, it’s crucial to recognize the signs and seek medical attention promptly.

Common Symptoms

• Headache
• Nausea
• Sensitivity to bright light
• Lethargy
• Stiff neck
• Fever

Can viral meningitis cause more severe symptoms? In rare cases, yes. Some individuals may experience more severe manifestations of the disease, particularly those with weakened immune systems or infants.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Viral Meningitis

How is viral meningitis diagnosed? Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examination, medical history review, and laboratory tests. These may include blood tests, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and imaging studies.

Treatment Approaches

Does viral meningitis require specific treatment? In most cases, viral meningitis resolves on its own without targeted treatment. However, supportive care is essential to manage symptoms and promote recovery.

• Rest and hydration
• Over-the-counter pain relievers for headache and fever
• Antiviral medications in specific cases (e.g., herpes simplex virus)

Why are antibiotics sometimes administered initially? If a person is acutely ill, healthcare providers may start antibiotic treatment while awaiting test results to rule out bacterial meningitis, which requires immediate intervention.

Recovery and Prognosis for Viral Meningitis

How long does viral meningitis typically last? Most cases resolve within 7 to 10 days. However, some individuals may experience a longer recovery period, particularly if the meningitis is caused by West Nile virus or lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) virus.

Long-term Outlook

Is viral meningitis fatal? While it can be in rare cases, viral meningitis is generally less deadly and incapacitating than bacterial meningitis. However, it can be life-threatening in newborns and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Can a person get viral meningitis more than once? Yes, although it’s uncommon. Most people develop immunity to the virus that caused their initial infection. Recurrent viral meningitis, known as Mollaret meningitis, is most often associated with herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2.

Prevention Strategies for Viral Meningitis

How can one reduce the risk of viral meningitis? While it’s not always possible to prevent viral meningitis, several measures can help minimize the risk:

• Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing
• Avoid close contact with individuals who are ill
• Stay up-to-date with vaccinations (e.g., measles, mumps, influenza)
• Protect against mosquito and tick bites in endemic areas
• Practice safe sex and avoid sharing needles to prevent HIV transmission

Is there a vaccine specifically for viral meningitis? Unlike bacterial meningitis, there isn’t a single vaccine that protects against all forms of viral meningitis. However, vaccines for specific viruses like measles, mumps, and influenza can help prevent some cases.

Special Considerations: Viral Meningitis in High-Risk Groups

How does viral meningitis affect different population groups? While anyone can contract viral meningitis, certain groups face higher risks or potential complications:

Infants and Young Children

Why are infants particularly vulnerable to viral meningitis? Newborns and infants under one month old are at higher risk for severe symptoms and complications. Their immature immune systems may struggle to fight off the infection effectively.

Immunocompromised Individuals

How does a weakened immune system impact viral meningitis? People with compromised immune systems due to conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or organ transplants may experience more severe symptoms and a longer recovery period. They’re also at higher risk for complications.

Pregnant Women

Does viral meningitis pose risks during pregnancy? While most cases of viral meningitis during pregnancy don’t harm the fetus, certain viruses (like CMV or herpes simplex) can potentially cause complications. Pregnant women should seek immediate medical attention if they suspect meningitis.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Viral Meningitis

What advancements are being made in viral meningitis research? Ongoing studies focus on several key areas:

• Developing more rapid and accurate diagnostic tests
• Identifying new antiviral treatments for specific viral causes
• Understanding long-term effects and potential neurological sequelae
• Improving prevention strategies, including vaccine development

How might future research impact viral meningitis management? As our understanding of viral meningitis grows, we may see improvements in targeted treatments, more effective prevention methods, and better outcomes for high-risk groups.

Living with Viral Meningitis: Coping Strategies and Support

How can individuals cope with viral meningitis during recovery? While most cases resolve relatively quickly, some people may experience lingering effects. Coping strategies include:

• Getting plenty of rest and maintaining good sleep hygiene
• Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet
• Gradually returning to normal activities as symptoms improve
• Seeking support from family, friends, or support groups
• Communicating openly with healthcare providers about any persistent symptoms

Are there long-term effects of viral meningitis? While most people recover fully, some may experience lingering symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or mild cognitive issues. It’s important to follow up with healthcare providers if symptoms persist.

Global Impact and Epidemiology of Viral Meningitis

How prevalent is viral meningitis worldwide? The global incidence of viral meningitis varies, but it’s generally more common than bacterial meningitis. In the United States, it’s estimated that there are about 7.6 cases per 100,000 adults annually.

Seasonal and Geographic Variations

Does the occurrence of viral meningitis vary by season or location? Yes, there are notable patterns:

• In temperate climates, viral meningitis is more common during summer and autumn
• Tropical and subtropical regions see high infection rates year-round
• Certain virus-specific forms of meningitis may have geographic patterns (e.g., West Nile virus in parts of the Americas, Africa, and Europe)

How do public health measures impact viral meningitis rates? Vaccination programs, public health education, and improved sanitation have helped reduce the incidence of some forms of viral meningitis in many parts of the world.

Distinguishing Viral Meningitis from Other Forms of Meningitis

How does viral meningitis differ from bacterial or fungal meningitis? While all forms involve inflammation of the meninges, there are key differences:

Viral vs. Bacterial Meningitis

• Viral meningitis is generally less severe
• Bacterial meningitis requires immediate antibiotic treatment
• Viral meningitis often resolves on its own
• Bacterial meningitis has a higher risk of severe complications and death

Viral vs. Fungal Meningitis

• Fungal meningitis is rare and typically affects immunocompromised individuals
• Viral meningitis is more common in the general population
• Fungal meningitis requires specific antifungal treatments

Why is it crucial to distinguish between different types of meningitis? Accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate treatment. While viral meningitis often resolves without specific intervention, bacterial and fungal meningitis require targeted antimicrobial therapy.

The Role of Public Health in Managing Viral Meningitis

How do public health initiatives address viral meningitis? Public health efforts play a crucial role in managing and preventing viral meningitis:

• Surveillance and monitoring of meningitis cases
• Implementation of vaccination programs
• Public education on prevention and early symptom recognition
• Outbreak management and contact tracing when necessary

What challenges do public health officials face in managing viral meningitis? Key challenges include:

• Distinguishing between viral and bacterial meningitis quickly
• Addressing vaccine hesitancy for preventable forms of viral meningitis
• Managing seasonal variations in infection rates
• Coordinating responses across different healthcare systems and regions

Technological Advancements in Viral Meningitis Diagnosis and Treatment

How is technology improving viral meningitis management? Recent advancements are enhancing various aspects of care:

Diagnostic Innovations

• Rapid PCR tests for faster virus identification
• Advanced imaging techniques for detecting inflammation
• Biomarker research for distinguishing viral from bacterial meningitis

Treatment Developments

• Targeted antiviral therapies for specific viral causes
• Improved supportive care technologies
• Potential for personalized treatment based on genetic factors

How might future technological advances impact viral meningitis care? We may see more precise diagnostics, tailored treatments, and improved outcomes, especially for high-risk groups.

Psychological Impact of Viral Meningitis

Does viral meningitis affect mental health? While often overlooked, viral meningitis can have psychological effects:

• Anxiety about potential complications or recurrence
• Depression during prolonged recovery periods
• Cognitive changes affecting work or daily activities
• Stress related to medical procedures and hospitalization

How can healthcare providers address the psychological aspects of viral meningitis? Holistic care approaches may include:

• Screening for mental health issues during follow-up appointments
• Providing resources for psychological support
• Educating patients about potential emotional impacts
• Encouraging open communication about mental health concerns

Viral Meningitis in the Context of Global Health Crises

How do global health events impact viral meningitis management? Major health crises, such as pandemics, can affect viral meningitis in several ways:

• Disruption of routine vaccination programs
• Changes in healthcare-seeking behavior
• Potential for misdiagnosis due to overlapping symptoms
• Strain on healthcare resources affecting meningitis care

What lessons from recent global health events can be applied to viral meningitis management? Key takeaways include:

• Importance of robust public health surveillance systems
• Need for flexible and resilient healthcare infrastructure
• Value of clear public health communication
• Potential for telemedicine in managing less severe cases

As we continue to navigate complex global health landscapes, our approach to viral meningitis must evolve to ensure effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment across diverse populations and settings.

Viral Meningitis: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis. It’s typically mild and goes away without treatment. However, those who suspect they have meningitis should be evaluated by a medical professional to ensure the diagnosis.

Viral meningitis is a virus-borne inflammation of the meninges, which are the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

It’s far less severe than bacterial meningitis, and generally only produces mild symptoms, such as headache, nausea, bright-light sensitivity, and lethargy. But rare cases can cause more severe symptoms.

The majority of cases of viral meningitis are due to non-polio enteroviruses. (1)

The herpes simplex virus is the second most common cause of viral meningitis in adolescents and adults in developed countries. (2)

It’s been estimated that it has an annual incidence of 7.6 per 100,000 adults. (3)

What Causes Viral Meningitis?

There are a number of viruses that can cause meningitis. They include:

• Enteroviruses
• Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2
• Varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles
• Epstein-Barr virus
• HIV
• Influenza
• Mumps
• Measles
• Cytomegalovirus meningitis (CMV meningitis)

Only a small number of people infected with enteroviruses will get meningitis. (1)

Children younger than age 5 and people with weakened immune systems — from diseases, medication, or recent surgeries or transplants — are most likely to get meningitis from enteroviruses.

Infants younger than 1 month old and people with weakened immune systems are most likely to suffer severe symptoms. (1)

People who aren’t up to date on their vaccinations may get meningitis from the flu, mumps, or measles.

What Are Other Causes of Viral Meningitis?

Certain insects can also transmit viruses that cause meningitis, such as:

• West Nile virus from mosquitoes in certain parts of the Americas, Africa, West Asia, Australia, and mainland Europe
• St. Louis encephalitis virus from mosquitoes in North America
• Encephalitis viruses from ticks in mainland Europe and Asia

Those who have contact with feces or urine from house mice may get meningitis from the lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) virus. Hamsters and other pet rodents may also carry LCM if they have come into contact with mice. It’s estimated that 5 percent of house mice in the United States carry LCM. (4)

Is Viral Meningitis Contagious?

Yes, but it’s unlikely to spread. While the viruses that cause the disease are generally easily passed between people, viral meningitis itself is not very easily passed between people. When it is, it happens mostly between people who are in regular, close contact. (1,5)

Enteroviruses are present in the feces, mucus, and saliva of infected people, and are transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or surface.

In temperate climates, these viruses spread most during summer and autumn, and infection rates are high all year long in tropical and subtropical climates. (2)

The herpes simplex virus can be passed to other people via contact with an infected area of skin during an outbreak (when the virus is active).

Other meningitis-causing viruses are spread in different ways.

For instance, mumps, measles, and influenza are easily spread between the unvaccinated through coughing and sneezing, while HIV is spread through unprotected sex and sharing drug needles (since the virus is present in blood, breast milk, and seminal, vaginal, and rectal fluids).

How Long Does Viral Meningitis Last?

Most cases go away on their own within 7 to 10 days. (1) Sometimes recovery can take a few months; this is most likely if the meningitis is caused by West Nile virus or LCM. (6) Regardless, it is important that those who suspect they have meningitis see a medical professional to be properly assessed.

Is Viral Meningitis Fatal?

It can be, but according to the National Meningitis Association, it’s not as deadly or incapacitating as bacterial meningitis. (7)

It can be deadly in newborns and those with weakened immune systems.

Can You Get Viral Meningitis More Than Once?

Yes. But it is very rare for a person to have two or more episodes of meningitis because most people develop immunity to the virus that caused their disease.

Recurrent viral meningitis is most often caused by herpes simplex 2, and sometimes herpes simplex 1. This type of the disease is called Mollaret meningitis. In order to be diagnosed as having Mollaret meningitis, an individual will have to experience at least three episodes of an illness consisting of a stiff neck, headache, fever, and other meningitis symptoms. (8)

These illnesses last about two to five days, then subside on their own.

How Is Viral Meningitis Treated?

If a person is acutely ill, antibiotics will be administered while waiting for test results to confirm whether the illness is bacterial meningitis, which requires immediate treatment.

Patients may also be given the antiviral drug acyclovir (Zovirax) if there is a high suspicion that the meningitis is caused by a herpes virus.

Once the test results reveal whether the meningitis is viral or bacterial, the drug regimen will be adjusted as necessary.

Related Conditions

Everything You Need to Know About the Flu

How Can You Prevent Viral Meningitis?

Vaccines can prevent some types of viral meningitis, though this doesn’t include meningitis caused by enteroviruses.

In this case, avoiding close contact with those with enteroviruses and touching your face with unwashed hands can help minimize your chances.

If you’re already infected, you can prevent the spread of the virus by frequently washing your hands, disinfecting surfaces, staying away from people, and coughing and sneezing into a cloth or tissue (not your hands).

Staying indoors at twilight, using a spray, and wearing long sleeves and long pants will help decrease exposure to mosquito bites, which lead to West Nile and other mosquito-borne viruses.

Additional reporting by Carlene Bauer.

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signs, symptoms, who treats, who treats

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes of the brain that develops as a result of a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. It is sometimes called spinal meningitis. Infectious diseases such as viruses and bacteria and non-infectious conditions such as cancer or head injuries can cause meningitis.

Risk factors

Age, location, and certain health conditions may increase the risk of meningitis.

The risk is increased if:

• Under 5 years of age. About 70% of all cases of bacterial meningitis affect children under 5 years of age
• Weakened immune system. Immunity is weakened by HIV disease or tumor, organ or bone marrow transplant surgery
• Cerebrospinal fluid leak
• Spleen missing or damaged
• Chronic infections of the nose and ear, pneumococcal pneumonia or common blood infection
• Head injury, traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury
• Living with sickle cell anemia
• Drink alcohol excessively.

Signs of meningitis

Symptoms of meningitis in infants differ from those in children and adults. In bacterial meningitis, fever, headache, and neck stiffness may come on suddenly and worsen quickly.

Symptoms of meningitis in children and adults:

• Stiffness in the neck
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light – photophobia
• Altered mental state
• Lack of energy, drowsiness
• Lack of appetite
• Small, round, rash-like spots – petechiae.

Signs of meningitis in children

A child may not have the same symptoms of meningitis as adults (such as headache, neck stiffness, and nausea). Some signs of meningitis in children include:

• Convex “soft spot” – fontanel – on the child’s head
• Decreased appetite
• Drowsiness or sleep disorder
• Weakness
• Low energy level.

Why meningitis occurs

Infectious diseases and non-infectious conditions cause meningitis.

Infectious causes include:

• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Fungi
• Parasites.

Non-communicable causes include:

• Diseases
• Taking certain medications
• Other states.

Causes of bacterial meningitis:

• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Streptococcus group B
• Meningococcus
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Listeriosis
• E. coli
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Causes of viral meningitis:

• Non-polio enteroviruses
• Mumps
• Herpesviruses, including those that cause mononucleosis, varicella and herpes zoster
• Measles
• Influenza
• Aboviruses, e. g. West Nile virus
• Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus.

Causes of fungal meningitis:

• Coccidioids.

Causes of parasitic meningitis (eosinophilic meningitis):

• Angiostrongylosis
• Baylisascariasis
• Gnathostomiasis.

Causes of amoebic meningitis:

• Negleria fowlera.

Causes of noninfectious meningitis:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Certain drugs, such as NSAIDs and antibiotics
• Head injury
• Operations on the brain.

How a doctor diagnoses meningitis

A neurologist or infectious disease specialist diagnoses meningitis by doing a physical exam, asking about symptoms, and checking cerebrospinal fluid. To diagnose meningitis, the doctor uses the following tests:

• A swab from the nose or throat. The doctor uses a soft-tipped wand to take a sample from the nose or throat. The lab will check the sample for signs of infection
• Lumbar puncture/spinal puncture. The health worker inserts a needle into the lower back to take a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. In the laboratory, a sample of cerebrospinal fluid is examined for signs of infection
• Blood test. The doctor will take a blood sample from the arm using a

needle

• Your doctor may use a CT scan of the brain or an MRI of the brain to take pictures of the brain and look for inflammation.
• Fecal analysis.

How a doctor treats meningitis

Treatment for meningitis depends on its cause. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial meningitis, and antifungals are used to treat fungal meningitis. Antiviral drugs may be used to treat some viral causes of meningitis. Non-infectious causes of meningitis are treated by treating the underlying disease or injury.

There are no specific treatments for other infectious causes of meningitis. Medications are used to reduce inflammation or relieve symptoms and include:

• Antibiotics for bacterial meningitis
• Antifungals for fungal meningitis
• Antivirals for certain cases of viral meningitis such as herpes and influenza virus
• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Painkillers
• Hydration fluids.

Recovery from meningitis

Full recovery may take several weeks to several months.

Prevention

The best way to reduce the risk of meningitis is to take simple precautions. Vaccination, safe food handling and handwashing are some ways to reduce the risk of contracting infectious diseases. In some situations, the doctor will recommend the use of antibiotics to prevent infections.

Meningitis Vaccine

There are many vaccines available to help prevent bacterial and viral infections that lead to meningitis. Some are only given to certain age groups or other high-risk groups:

• Vaccines against bacteria. Vaccines against meningococcal disease, pneumococcal disease, tuberculosis help protect against bacterial infections that lead to meningitis
• Vaccination against viruses. Chickenpox, influenza, measles, and mumps vaccines protect against viral infections that lead to meningitis.

Prophylactic antibiotics

Your doctor may prescribe prophylactic antibiotics to prevent bacterial infection if the patient is at high risk.

Other ways to prevent meningitis

You can reduce your risk of getting meningitis with a few simple habits to protect yourself and others from infectious diseases:

• Wash your hands with soap and water. It is especially important to wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet, before and after preparing or eating food, and after gardening or handling sand or mud
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces
• Avoid contact with other sick people
• Do not bathe or drink contaminated water.
• Practice safe food preparation by freezing and cooking food at safe temperatures. Peel or wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Wash kitchen surfaces and utensils with soap and water after using
• Do not eat undercooked or raw meat or seafood
• Do not drink unpasteurized milk or eat products made from unpasteurized milk
• Reduce the risk of insect bites with tick and mosquito repellents
• Reduce the risk of fungal infections by wearing a mask in dusty areas.

Prognosis

Prognosis for meningitis depends on the cause, severity of the condition, and treatment. With prompt treatment, a full recovery usually occurs.

How long does meningitis last?

Viral meningitis may go away on its own within a week. Symptoms of bacterial or fungal meningitis can last from a few days to a week or more after treatment. Full recovery takes weeks or months, and some patients develop chronic illnesses.

Long-term effects of meningitis

Bacterial meningitis sometimes leads to sepsis, a condition in which the body reacts to an infection with a life-threatening reaction. Sepsis causes damage to tissues, blood vessels, and organs. In extreme cases, the organs completely stop functioning.

Long-term effects include:

• Loss of vision or hearing
• Memory violation
• Decreased concentration
• Epilepsy
• Unbalance
• Learning difficulties in children
• Arthritis
• Organ damage
• Loss of fingers, toes or limbs due to sepsis.

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Scientific sources:

1. Merzenyuk Z.A. Acute bacterial meningitis (etiological structure, assessment of diagnostic methods, clinical examination): Abstract of the thesis. dis. . cand. honey. Sciences Novosibirsk, 1990. – 20 p.
2. Bogomolov B.P. Diagnosis of secondary and primary meningitis. // Epidemiol. and infectious diseases 2007. – No. 6. – P.44-48.
3. Vengerov Yu.Ya. Meningitis. // Attending doctor. 1999. – No. 2-3. – S. 17-23.
4. Dekonenko E.P., Karetkina G.N. Viral and bacterial meningitis. // Russian medical journal (RMJ). 2000. – V.8, No. 13-14. – S.548-551.
5. Kazadi, Mukendi Andre Clinical, epidemiological and laboratory characteristics of meningitis of various etiologies: Abstract of the thesis. dis. .cand. honey. Sciences / Kazadi, Mukendi Andre. St. Petersburg, 2000. – 20 p.

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MRI of brain meningiomas

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symptoms, types, treatment and prevention

Imagine that you got up in the morning and felt unwell. The thermometer shows high temperature, headache, nausea, weakness, pulse quickens. Flu, you think. “Meningitis,” the doctor might say. Together with an expert, we figured out how to recognize meningitis and what can it lead to?

Alexander Boblov

Honored Doctor of Russia, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Doctor of the Highest Qualification Category, Chief Physician of the Infectious Diseases Hospital

1. What is meningitis?

2. Types of meningitis

3. Causes of meningitis

4. Symptoms of meningitis: everyone should know this

5. Diagnosis of meningitis

6. How to treat meningitis?

7. Sequelae of meningitis

8. Warnings

9. Prevention of meningitis

10. Conclusion

What is meningitis

Meningitis is a condition in which inflammation of the lining of the brain occurs. That is, not the brain itself, but its membranes – otherwise it will already be encephalitis. Inflammation of the shell looks the same as a burn of any part of the body: redness, swelling, inflammation, temperature.

Today, the statistics on meningitis are stable – this is not a very common disease. It can only change depending on the epidemiological situation. For example, the likelihood of getting meningitis is higher during an epidemic of influenza or other infectious diseases. During such periods, processes arise in which these diseases can give complications. After all, meningitis itself is not a simple disease. This is a consequence of some difficult process: infectious, traumatic, intrauterine and many others. The disease occurs if there are complications of the pathological process that has entered the body: microbes, viruses.

From birth to death, anyone can get meningitis, regardless of position or position. Unborn children, of course, cannot get sick. But during intrauterine processes, pathogens may appear that can infect the fetus. And at birth, they can provoke meningitis in a weak organism.

The disease can lead to severe consequences, including death. As a result of inflammatory processes, the membranes of the brain swell, become inflamed, and in fact they circulate blood and cerebral fluid. All this circulates through the spinal cord, through the brain, nourishes, feeds, makes it possible to drain all kinds of unnecessary waste. Therefore, when circulation is disturbed in edematous syndrome, edema becomes like a tourniquet. A similar situation will happen if you strongly bandage and pull your hand. After a while, she will die. As a result of meningitis, herniation of the brain can also occur, severe consequences of fluid pressure: it stops circulating, stagnates, suppurates and can hit the body.

Types of meningitis

By the nature and extent of inflammation

Meningitis appears in case of complications. They can give a virus and pus. There are meningitis that are associated with certain pathogens. For example, tuberculous meningitis may occur after contracting tuberculosis. After chickenpox – “chickenpox”, after rubella – “rubella” meningitis. But this classification is necessary for the doctor. Parents just need to understand if their child has been in contact with a sick person with the flu or chickenpox, because, most likely, this will be the reason. If the cause is trauma, then this is traumatic meningitis, respectively, the traumatologist will provide assistance to the patient.

By the rate of development

The rate of spread depends on the state of the person, his immunity. Today there are fast-growing forms of meningitis that develop within hours. It all depends on the organism in which it develops. That is, if a person with a myocardial infarction or severe neurological conditions falls ill, then meningitis can develop instantly.

It is very common for children to develop meningitis immediately. The child just got sick with the flu – and immediately gets almost into intensive care.

But sometimes the disease can develop within 5-6 days. For example, the flu gradually developed, the body seemed to be fighting, and the flu found a weak spot and hit it. This is called a secondary complication, which is harder and more difficult to treat: now many microorganisms have learned to coexist with both antibiotics and antiviral drugs. Therefore, you can’t just take, inject some kind of drug and be healthy the next day. This is a long and stubborn process, followed by therapeutic measures and rehabilitation.

According to the severity of meninge It can be mild, moderate, severe and extremely severe. In the latter case, meningitis develops so quickly that the body does not have time to fight it. There are severe complications that lead to edema processes and the cessation of the functioning of the cerebrospinal fluid system, metabolic processes. Due to edema, pressure on the brain begins. Everything in the complex leads to difficult processes up to death.

There are the following situations. Parents bring the child to a neurologist, complain of tinnitus, headache, some convulsive conditions. It turns out that the child had been ill with the flu a couple of months ago. Meanwhile, the symptoms of meningism remained in the memory of the body. Over time, this goes away on its own.

Of course, you can’t get mild meningitis without noticing it, but it can go away on its own. But there are cases of self-healing. There are viral meningitis, which begin the intensive development of the viral process and provoke meningeal symptoms. The general viral process goes away – the signs of the disease also go away. But the percentage of self-healing is low – it is 5-10%.

Causes of meningitis

Viral meningitis

Absolutely any disease or injury can cause. Most often we react to some viral diseases: influenza, severe forms of SARS, tuberculosis, chickenpox, rubella, meningococcus. The last case is the most difficult, because a purulent process develops there, a very high contagiousness and danger. There are severe consequences that lead to encephalitis, to severe consequences with complications on the brain.

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Basically any bacteria can cause meningitis. Here you need to pay attention to something else: purulent meningitis or not. When a large number of bacteria accumulate, they break down and form pus, dead cells, and the like.

At the first stage, there is no decay yet, only an edematous-inflammatory process is going on, but there are pathogens: in one case – viruses, in viral states sometimes something flows easier, sometimes – microbes that cause pus later. Imagine: you burned your hand, it turned red and swollen, after a while a purulent wound appeared on this hand. It’s exactly the same here. We have a large amount of pathogen, which leads to suppuration. For example, staphylococcus, which then lead to suppuration.

Fungal meningitis

Mushrooms are so abundant on our planet that any of them – from mold to all others – can cause meningitis. They are used in many areas. At one time there were even fantastic stories about how mushrooms conquer the planet. There are thousands of mushroom species that are adapted to the human body. There are mushrooms that are adapted for plants, there are for the soil, and there are those that live in kefir. And here are the fungi that antibiotics themselves can cause. Because antibiotics at one time were formed on fungi. Fungal infection of the body, including meningitis, can also be from long-term treatment of the patient. It seems that we treat, we treat, we add one antibiotic after another and a fungal infection begins. Therefore, it is also impossible to arbitrarily swallow any antibiotics and drugs. Sometimes they are even forced to take antifungal drugs in addition to antibiotics to prevent the occurrence of fungal infections.

Symptoms of meningitis: everyone should know this

in SARS, influenza and any other infections. Fever, watery eyes, nasal discharge, intoxication, feeling unwell, muscle pain – these symptoms, which we know with influenza and SARS, suddenly begin to worsen. The patient begins to be afraid of light, react sharply to loud sounds due to severe, intolerable headaches. Often you have to give analgesics to get rid of it. This is how the edematous syndrome manifests itself.

Further, the symptoms become more complicated, and the patient’s condition must be diagnosed by a doctor. He can already identify specific signs of the disease: for example, a symptom of Brudzinsky or Kernig. If a doctor diagnoses meningitis, he can immediately send him to the hospital to continue the diagnosis – you need to understand what type of meningitis it is.

You can try to identify signs of meningitis yourself with the help of tests:

Muscle stiffness

The patient lies on his side with his head thrown back and legs bent. When he tries to straighten his neck, nothing comes out

Rashes on the skin

A test will help distinguish between a rash and an allergy: put a glass of transparent glass on the rash and press so that the skin under the glass turns pale. If the rash also turns pale, there is no meningitis. If the rash has retained its color, then it is worth looking at other symptoms

Inability to straighten the legs

Diagnosis

The most common diagnostic method at the outpatient stage is blood and urine donation. According to the results of the analysis, it will be seen whether there is an inflammatory process in the body.

Spinal puncture will provide the most objective and reliable results. Fluid is taken from the spinal cord and checked under a microscope, and it already shows what exactly is the pathogen: streptococcus, staphylococcus, gonococcus, virus, etc.

There are studies that test the blood for the virus, for example, during the epidemic season.

How to treat meningitis

Mild meningitis can be treated with medicines prescribed by a doctor.

If the form is more severe, it is necessary to urgently be hospitalized in a medical institution, where antibacterial, antiviral drugs will be prescribed. If necessary, droppers may be prescribed. They try to avoid this, since excess fluid in the body is not needed. But if you need to remove intoxication, droppers are carried out, toxins and poisons are intensively washed out. With meningitis, you do not need to self-medicate.

If a lot of pus accumulates in the lining of the brain, intensive antibiotic therapy is prescribed. Pick up antibiotics that destroy including pus. Antiviral drugs, especially for a purulent, bacterial process, are selected individually. For some, penicillin is enough, while others are treated with two or three different antibiotics.

In addition, a spinal tap is performed. In fact, this is a puncture, during which part of the excess fluid that has accumulated due to lack of circulation is partially removed. With the help of a lumbar puncture, pressure is reduced and swelling is removed. In addition to the therapeutic function, this operation also performs a diagnostic function: the material obtained can be examined and accurately determine the type of bacterium or virus that caused meningitis.

Consequences of meningitis

The consequences of meningitis can be very different. It all depends on what diseases someone has and where the complications will go. Very many then have to be observed and treated by neuropathologists, as severe neurological consequences remain – from neurological pain to paralysis. The consequence is severe neurological diseases, such as neuritis. Complications have to be treated by a neurologist for years after meningitis has long been forgotten. Sometimes meningism remains – this is when a person has not been fully treated. If something remains from the previous consequences, then this is “fertile” ground for the development of neurological symptoms in the future.

Sometimes meningitis can leave a person disabled. This gives restrictions when working in certain specialties – for example, such people cannot be pilots, train drivers.

Unfortunately, after bacterial meningitis, 20% of those “cured” become disabled. Of course, this is not 100%, but still quite a high figure. The most common complication after the disease is hearing loss. Slightly less common are the following consequences of infection:

Memory disorders

Learning disabilities

Brain damage

Gait and coordination disorders

Seizures

Kidney failure

Loss of limbs

Prev warnings

The main problem is when patients see, know and understand what is bad, but they believe that everything will pass by itself. That is, they see, but do nothing. And you need to do it without thinking. Either go to the clinic, or call a doctor at home. The specialist will tell you to take an x-ray, undergo an examination of the ear, throat, nose and other diagnostic measures, donate blood. Based on the results of the analysis, it will be clear whether there are any inflammatory or purulent processes. All this is seen in a complex, when an uncharacteristically severe course of the disease is seen, with symptoms of headache, photophobia, stiffness, muscle pain, neck pain, and so on. It all says that something is wrong, you need to see a doctor.

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Under no circumstances should you self-medicate. A broad-spectrum drug will not cure, but only temporarily remove the symptoms

Even a doctor who knows and owns information can find it difficult to choose a therapy for these diseases. When traumatic meningitis occurs, this is one treatment. When meningitis occurs from viral diseases – another. If from tuberculosis – the third. And if you take any medicine, relatively speaking, broad-spectrum antibiotics, it can “blur the picture.” The drug will not cure a person, it will remove the symptoms for a while (a day or two) . A person thinks that he is better and stops treatment, and then complications begin. Somewhere a purulent process could develop, somewhere an abscess arose. After that, it is very difficult to remove the patient from such a state, the risk of death increases. The doctor cannot determine the cause of the poor condition. This leads to a deterioration in diagnosis, complication of therapeutic measures. The doctor has to prescribe other antibiotics, as well as additional drugs. Or maybe the doctor would immediately prescribe an antibiotic and an antiviral drug and everything in the complex would crush this process.

Meningitis is talked about little and infrequently, but if there is an outbreak with a fatal outcome, everyone seems to wake up. The fact is that the disease is easily confused with the flu or SARS, but here the wrong treatment is fraught with death.

For example, at the beginning of the year, a five-year-old girl died of an illness. Yana Savchenko and her little daughter were returning from St. Petersburg to Moscow by train. A few hours before departure, the girl complained of chills. Already on the train, her temperature rose to 39,5 degrees. The temperature was brought down, but it again rapidly grew to 40, 40.5 degrees. The girl started to go crazy.
At the bus stop in Tver, an ambulance was called directly to the train. Doctors, having examined the patient, gave an injection and said that the child could go further, there was nothing to worry about. And then it got worse: the girl complained of terrible pain in her leg from any touch. There were spots on the body.
Doctors in Moscow didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary at first either, but on closer examination they suspected meningitis. The girl was rushed to the hospital, but she died a few minutes later. On the same day, 11-month-old Alfiya died in the same hospital from the same infection.

Photo from the personal archive of Yana Savchenko

Meningitis can hit a person at any moment, but while the patient is treating a non-existent flu, the infection can spread greatly. At the same time, not everyone will distinguish meningitis from other diseases, since almost no one knows about the symptoms. The mother of the deceased girl also says the same: several myths.

MYTH #1 “DON’T DRAW IN YOUR WHEN YOU HAVE A RUNTY”

At school, parents, teachers often say the following thing: when you have a runny nose, do not pull yourself in – there will be meningitis. You can pull it out of yourself and still have meningitis.

We have a protective mechanism – mucous, it accumulates secretions in order to remove them, and we swallow them. That is, we do not swallow all this into the lungs, it will enter the gastrointestinal tract, etc. and, accordingly, what remains in the lungs and in the bronchi during sleep, etc. it enters the body and accumulates. And then another law sets in, the law of critical mass, when the amount of the pathogen comes, with which the body can no longer cope, and a disease occurs.

MYTH №2 “WEAR A HAT”

It is also often said: put on a hat, otherwise there will be meningitis. But it’s not. Of course, going without a hat in winter means increasing your chances of catching a cold and lowering your immunity, but this is not connected with meningitis.

Therefore, at first, the rules of diagnosis are important. If weighting, deterioration, the symptoms that we talked about begin: headache, lacrimation, fear of light, a serious condition, any noise is perceived as a chiming clock under the ear. With such symptoms, it is necessary for the child to urgently take care of the doctor.

There is no prevention of meningitis as such. Only when the doctor determines what kind of meningitis it is and why it occurs, something can be done. Let’s say the prevention of meningitis from the flu is flu shots. There may be rubella vaccines, but there can be no injury vaccines.

Meningitis is primary, but most often it is an advanced disease. If ​​meningitis is formed on the basis of tuberculosis, then there is a prophylaxis for tuberculosis and appropriate preventive vaccinations. They are made in the hospital and in the future.

A healthy, strong person tolerates meningitis more easily and is much less likely to develop it. Preventive measures include the usual preventive measures to maintain health. Although, athletes can also get sick – do not forget about overloading the body. Having big muscles doesn’t mean you can’t get meningitis. Everything is individual and depends on the person and his condition.

For the prevention of meningitis, a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, exercise, getting enough energy without overload, walking in the fresh air, jogging are useful. Avoid closed spaces, fewer teams where someone can bring something. This is not about hygiene. Starting from phones, ending with pens in shops, public transport, plastic cards, money – all this in the complex is also a way of transmitting pathogens. You need to wash your hands more often, wash your face, rinse your nose, bring your hands to your mouth less. Phones, watches, keyboards can be carriers of pathogens.

Conclusion

Whenever possible, take a rest, eat right, eat vegetables and fruits, natural products in your writing, so that the body is ready for difficult conditions during winter and late autumn and early spring, when the sun will not be enough. Get enough solar energy, spend more time outdoors, keep fit. All this in a complex allows you to maintain your body in such a state that it can fight any infection and prevent it from developing in your body.