Summer BanksMeningitis
September 9th 2006 23:41
Meningitis :
Meningitis occurs when bacteria or viruses enter the spinal fluid and infect the meninges, the three layers of membrane that surround the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can prove to be fatal, although this is becoming less common because of the increased use of effective medications.
Meningitis seems to strike males more often than females and is most commonly seen in children up to the age of four years and in adults over the age of 60. Swelling of the brain, as well as epilepsy, blindness, amnesia, and deafness, can result when meningitis is not properly and promptly treated.
The three layers of meninges are the dura mater (the outermost layer), the arachnoid (the middle layer), and the pia mater (the innermost layer). The space between the inner two layers, called the subarachnoid space, is filled with clear cerebrospinal fluid, which is produced in the brain. When bacteria or viruses invade this fluid and form pus, the surrounding membranes soon become infected, resulting in meningitis.
Causes :
Meningitis is caused by an infection that enters the system through a serious head wound or through the bloodstream from a source of infection in another part of the body. The bacteria may also reach the meninges from an abscess (localized infection) of the brain itself, but this is quite rare. A deficiency in the immune system, which can be either inherited or acquired over time, may lead to a greater chance of contracting this disease as well.
Also, newborns may be at a greater risk of contracting meningitis if the mother had a genital infection, such as herpes, during the last week of pregnancy; if the membranes of the uterus ruptured prematurely; or if labor was prolonged.
Symptoms :
The symptoms of meningitis are a "bursting" headache, high fever, rising pulse rate, irregular breathing, vomiting, and sensitivity to light.
Pain extends down the neck, into the back and the lower limbs; the neck may be stiff, and it will be difficult for the patient to bend forward. As the disease progresses, the patient may suffer convulsions or may slip into a coma.
Diagnosis :
Unless increased pressure in the brain is suspected, meningitis is diagnosed with a test called a lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, in which a sample of the cerebrospinal fluid is withdrawn and examined to see if it is clear (healthy) or cloudy (pus-filled) and to identify the bacteria causing the infection. A physical examination, blood cultures, and cultures from the secretions of the respiratory tract may also be useful in determining the type of bacteria present. A viral infection is much harder to diagnose; it may not show up on any tests.
Treatment :
Because meningitis must be treated immediately, medication may be prescribed before the specific infecting agent has been identified. Once the cause has been determined, a more appropriate medication can then be administered. The patient will be admitted to the hospital, where necessary measures can be taken to reduce fever and control brain swelling.
Viral infections are much more difficult to treat. Fortunately, most cases run their course without causing serious consequences. Treatment is generally limited to hospitalization, so that supportive therapy can be administered.
Prevention :
Prevention of meningitis caused by certain strains of bacteria may be possible with some vaccines that are now available. Immunization against Hemophilus influenzae in infants has led to dramatic decreases in the incidence of meningitis caused by this organism. Research continues on vaccines against other bacterial strains.
Rifampin, an antituberculosis drug, is used for prevention of meningococcal meningitis, which is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. The drug is given orally to individuals who have been in close contact with a person who has a documented case of meningococcal meningitis. There is also a vaccine that is effective against certain strains of meningococcal meningitis.
Meningitis occurs when bacteria or viruses enter the spinal fluid and infect the meninges, the three layers of membrane that surround the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can prove to be fatal, although this is becoming less common because of the increased use of effective medications.
Meningitis seems to strike males more often than females and is most commonly seen in children up to the age of four years and in adults over the age of 60. Swelling of the brain, as well as epilepsy, blindness, amnesia, and deafness, can result when meningitis is not properly and promptly treated.
The three layers of meninges are the dura mater (the outermost layer), the arachnoid (the middle layer), and the pia mater (the innermost layer). The space between the inner two layers, called the subarachnoid space, is filled with clear cerebrospinal fluid, which is produced in the brain. When bacteria or viruses invade this fluid and form pus, the surrounding membranes soon become infected, resulting in meningitis.
Causes :
Meningitis is caused by an infection that enters the system through a serious head wound or through the bloodstream from a source of infection in another part of the body. The bacteria may also reach the meninges from an abscess (localized infection) of the brain itself, but this is quite rare. A deficiency in the immune system, which can be either inherited or acquired over time, may lead to a greater chance of contracting this disease as well.
Also, newborns may be at a greater risk of contracting meningitis if the mother had a genital infection, such as herpes, during the last week of pregnancy; if the membranes of the uterus ruptured prematurely; or if labor was prolonged.
Symptoms :
Pain extends down the neck, into the back and the lower limbs; the neck may be stiff, and it will be difficult for the patient to bend forward. As the disease progresses, the patient may suffer convulsions or may slip into a coma.
Diagnosis :
Unless increased pressure in the brain is suspected, meningitis is diagnosed with a test called a lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, in which a sample of the cerebrospinal fluid is withdrawn and examined to see if it is clear (healthy) or cloudy (pus-filled) and to identify the bacteria causing the infection. A physical examination, blood cultures, and cultures from the secretions of the respiratory tract may also be useful in determining the type of bacteria present. A viral infection is much harder to diagnose; it may not show up on any tests.
Treatment :
Because meningitis must be treated immediately, medication may be prescribed before the specific infecting agent has been identified. Once the cause has been determined, a more appropriate medication can then be administered. The patient will be admitted to the hospital, where necessary measures can be taken to reduce fever and control brain swelling.
Viral infections are much more difficult to treat. Fortunately, most cases run their course without causing serious consequences. Treatment is generally limited to hospitalization, so that supportive therapy can be administered.
Prevention :
Prevention of meningitis caused by certain strains of bacteria may be possible with some vaccines that are now available. Immunization against Hemophilus influenzae in infants has led to dramatic decreases in the incidence of meningitis caused by this organism. Research continues on vaccines against other bacterial strains.
Rifampin, an antituberculosis drug, is used for prevention of meningococcal meningitis, which is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. The drug is given orally to individuals who have been in close contact with a person who has a documented case of meningococcal meningitis. There is also a vaccine that is effective against certain strains of meningococcal meningitis.
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