Meningitis

Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes surround the brain and the spinal cord. It is due to a variety of pathogens e.g. viruses, bacteria and fungus It must be treated as an emergency as mortality may be high. If diagnosed and treated promptly, a full recovery can be expected.

Symptoms
Initially:
* Severe headache.
* High fever.
* Stiffness of the neck and back muscles.
Later:
* Delirium.
* Photophobia, which is abnormal sensitivity or intolerance to light.
* Convulsions.
* Coma.

Complications
Permanent neurological complications like impaired hearing, is occasionally associated with pneumococcal miningitis.

Common causes
* Germs such as the meningococcus and pneumococcus, the influenza virus, and the tubercle bacillus, enter the cerebrospinal fluid via bloodstream. The meninges become swollen and expert pressure on the brain and spinal cord.

What can you do
* See a doctor or go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital at once.

What your doctor can do for you
* Admit you at the hospital.
* Do a thorough physical examination.
* Perform a lumbar puncture to obtain cerebrospinal fluid for laboratory examination.
* Treat with intravenous antibiotics.

Now you know!