Navigating Health

Archive for May 16th, 2010

Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain. It is usually caused by an infection. Viral meningitis is the common, and less dangerous, form and generally affects young adults. Bacterial meningitis is a more serious condition that mainly affects children. This life threatening condition often beings with symptoms similar to those of a common cold or flu. However, the child’s condition rapidly worsens and the classic symptoms of the disease develop. Meningitis is the result of an infection by one of a number of different viruses or bacteria. In rare cases, usually among those with reduced immunity, it may also be caused by a fungal infection. Although treatment depends on the type of infection, all forms of the disease are serious and any suspected case of meningitis warrants immediate medical assessment and possible admission to hospital.

A doctor will usually make a provisional diagnosis based on observation of the symptoms and an examination of the patient. Further investigations may be carried out after treatment has already started, are likely to include a lumbar puncture, in which a sample of cerebrospinal fluid is removed from around the spinal chord in the lower back and examined under the microscopic for signs of infection. Viral meningitis generally requires no specific treatment beyond analgesics to provide pain relief and reduce fever. Full recovery from the condition takes one to two weeks. In case of suspected bacterial meningitis, prompt administration of intravenous antibiotics is essential. Time is vital and minutes can save lives. In some cases, corticosteroids may be given to reduce inflammation. Recovery from the bacterial form of the disease is much slower than from viral meningitis, but recovery time varies with cases.