Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can occur in response to a number of causes, including infectious agents, physical injuries, cancer, or certain medications. Most cases of meningitis occur today in young people aged 15 and 24. The most common is viral meningitis, that you get when a virus enters the body through the nose or mouth and travels to the brain. Bacterial meningitis is rare, but it can be fatal. It usually begins with bacteria that cause cold-like infection. It can block the blood vessels in the brain and lead to strokes and brain damage. It can also affect other organs.

Signs and symptoms

Headache is the most common symptom of meningitis (87 percent) followed by nuchal rigidity ("neck stiffness", 83 percent). The classic triad of diagnostic signs consists of nuchal rigidity (being unable to flex the neck forward), fever and altered mental status. All three features are present in only 44% of all cases of infectious meningitis. Other signs commonly associated with meningitis are photophobia (inability to tolerate bright light), phonophobia (inability to tolerate loud noises), irritability and delirium (in small children) and seizures (in 20-40% of cases). In infants (0-6 months), swelling of the fontanelle (soft spot) may be present.

People who work with domestic animals, including farmers and dairy farmers, have a higher risk of contracting listeria, which can lead to some meningitis.Vaccines can prevent bacterial infections that cause meningitis. Many viruses and bacteria, which are responsible for meningitis are fairly common. Good hygiene is an important way to prevent infection. Encourage children to wash their hands thoroughly and frequently, especially before eating and after using the bathroom. Avoid close contact with someone who is not obviously ill and sharing food, drinks, utensils or can help prevent the spread of germs as well.

Treatment

Treatment is determined by the type of meningitis and the organism causing the disease.

Viral meningitis usually requires only symptom relief (palliative care). Palliative care may include bed rest, increased fluid intake to prevent dehydration, and analgesics (e.g., aspirin, acetaminophen) to reduce fever and relieve body aches.

Some patients who have had meningitis may require longer follow-up. One of the most common problems resulting from bacterial meningitis is impaired hearing, and kids who've had bacterial meningitis should have a hearing test following their recovery.