Meningitis
is an inflammation of the covering or lining around the spinal
cord and brain. The lining consists of three layers--- dura,
arachnoid and pia. This inflammation is usually caused by either
a virus or bacteria. Viral meningitis is less common and often
less severe. TB and fungal infections are rare causes of meningitis.
SIGNS
& SYMPTOMS
Symptoms
of meningitis include:
--Fever
--Vomiting
--Headache
--Neck stiffness
--Drowsiness
--Generalized aches and pains
--Mental confusion
--Visual difficulty
--Disorientation
--Seizures A
rash sometimes developes with septicemia. This occurs when the
infection has spread to the blood stream. It is most common
in meningococcal meningitis, a form of meningitis caused by
a bacteria ( Neisseria meningitidis).
TRANSMISSION
Young
children and older adults are most susceptible, but this disease
can also commonly affect young adults in their late teens and
twenties. At times meningitis can be caused by bacteria frequently
seen in our mouth and upper airway. Some people can carry this
bacteria and not be symptomatic because they have developed
a certain amount of immunity. However they can still transmit
it to other people with whom they come in close contact. It
can be spread by sneezing, coughing, and kissing for example.
TREATMENT
Vaccines
are now available for Groups A and C meningococcal meningitis.
College students are strongly encouraged to receive vaccines
against these two types of meningitis. The vaccine is effective
in about 80% of cases. Group B meningitis is the most common
form of meningococcal meningitis and there is no vaccine for
this form. In
bacterial meningitis (eg. meningococcal, pneumococcal, HIB )
antibiotics are employed as treatment. Antibiotics are not effective
in viral meningitis and supportive care and treatment of symptoms
is provided. In
most suspected cases of meningitis a spinal tap will be performed
to evaluate the spinal fluid. This involves placing a needle
in the spinal canal using a local anesthetic. As gruesome as
this sounds it is usually not a painful test and it provides
critical information to the physician. In any situation where
meningitis is suspected it is important to seek the advice of
your doctor or health clinic as soon as possible. Close
family members or personal contacts should be closely observed
for any signs of infection.
Menegitis
Foundation of America 
