The brain and spinal cord are encased by layers of tissue. These layers are called the meninges. Certain bacteria can cause an infection in these layers. This is called bacterial meningitis.
It is a serious infection that can cause death within hours. A quick diagnosis and treatment is vital.
The bacteria first cause an upper respiratory tract infection . Then it travels through the blood stream to the brain.
Worldwide, three types of bacteria cause the majority of cases of acute bacterial meningitis:
Other forms of bacterial meningitis include:
Newborn babies and the elderly are more prone to get sick.
Some forms are spread by direct contact with fluid from the mouth or throat of an infected person. This can happen during a kiss or by sharing eating utensils. In general, meningitis is not spread by casual contact.
If you have any of these risk factors for meningitis, tell your doctor:
Classic symptoms can develop over several hours, or may take 1 to 2 days:
Other symptoms may include:
In newborns and infants, symptoms are hard to see. As a result infants under three months old with a fever are often checked for meningitis. Symptoms in newborns and infants may include:
As the illness progresses, seizures and/or hearing loss can occur. This can happen to patients of all ages.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Tests may include the following:
More than 90% of all people with this infection survive with immediate care including:
Antibiotics are given through an IV directly into a vein. This is started as soon as the infection is suspected. The antibiotics may be changed once tests name the exact bacterial cause. Patients usually stay in the hospital until fever has fallen. The fluid around the spine and the brain must also be clear of infection.
These are usually given by IV early in treatment. They control brain pressure and swelling. They also reduce the body’s production of inflammatory substances. This treatment can prevent further damage.
Fluids can be lost due to fever, sweating, or vomiting. They may be replaced through an IV. It will be done carefully to avoid complications of fluid overloading.
To help reduce your chances of getting bacterial meningitis, consider the following steps:
RESOURCES:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/
Meningitis Foundation of American
http://www.musa.org/
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
Meningitis Research Foundation of Canada
http://www.meningitis.ca/
References:
Beers MH, Berkow R. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy . 17th ed. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons;1999.
Diagnosis of acute meningitis in adult patients. American Family Physician website. Available at: http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000115/tips/9.html . Accessed June 24, 2008.
Meningitis and encephalitis fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/encephalitis_meningitis/detail_encephalitis_meningitis.htm . Accessed June 24, 2005.
Meningococcal disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/meningococcal_g.htm#Are%20there%20vaccines%20against%20meningitis . Accessed November 27, 2005.
Last reviewed January 2009 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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