MENINGITIS ATTACK YOUR BRAIN

Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes (meninges) covering the brain, usually due to bacterial or viral infections elsewhere in body that has spread into the blood and into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Other causes of meningitis such as fungal, protozoal, or certain non-infectious etiologies are much rarer. Meningitis should be distinguished from the condition encephalitis, the latter of which is the inflammation of the brain itself. Meningitis can affect anyone in any age group, from the newborn to the elderly, although the specific cause may be different.



Types of Meningitis ;
Meningococcal, Meningococcal Septicaemia, Pneumococcal, Hib, TB, Neonatal, Fungal, Amoebic, Viral

Signs and Symptoms of Meningitis ;
High fever, headache, and stiff neck are common symptoms of meningitis in anyone over the age of 2 years. These symptoms can develop over several hours, or they may take 1 to 2 days. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, discomfort looking into bright lights, confusion, and sleepiness. In newborns and small infants, the classic symptoms of fever, headache, and neck stiffness may be absent or difficult to detect, and the infant may only appear slow or inactive, or be irritable, have vomiting, or be feeding poorly. As the disease progresses, patients of any age may have seizures.

Examinations ;
There are so many methode to create of Meningitis suspect such as Lab Studies ,Imaging Studies, Procedures.

Treatment and Prevention ;
Bacterial meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia need immediate treatment with antibiotics and appropriate hospital management.

People who have come into close contact with meningococcal meningitis and/or meningococcal septicaemia require antibiotics (close contacts are people who are living or sleeping in the same household or who have intimately kissed the patient). The Public Health Department is responsible for tracing contacts and offering appropriate treatment. If you are concerned that you may have been in close contact with somebody who has contracted meningitis, seek advice from your GP or the Public Health Department.

School friends and colleagues of the patient with meningococcal disease are rarely at higher risk. The patient will have come into contact with other people during the incubation period. These people are deemed as casual contacts and they are not at any increased risk.

Viral meningitis cannot be helped by antibiotics and treatment is based on good nursing care. Recovery is normally complete, but headaches, tiredness and depression may persist for weeks or even months because your brain direct as object.

At a glance
- Antibiotics are given to kill off any meningococcal bacteria which may be carried in the back of the nose and throat. This reduces the risk of passing the bacteria on to others
- Research suggests that not smoking may reduce the chances of contracting meningitis in your family
- Apart from vaccines, there is no known way to protect against meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia
- Viral meningitis does not respond to antibiotics. Treatment is based on rest and good nursing care
- Fural meningitis requires anti-fungal therapy and appropriate management.

Vaccine Information ;



Vaccination is the only way to prevent meningitis. Effective vaccines are available to prevent some types of bacterial meningitis. In the absence of vaccines for all types of meningitis it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia and being prepared to take action is vital.

The new immunisation schedule is as follows:

2 months DTaP/IPV/Hib + pneumococcal vaccine
3 months DTaP/IPV/Hib + MenC vaccine
4 months DTaP/IPV/Hib + MenC + pneumococcal vaccine
12 months Hib/Men C*
13 months MMR + pneumococcal vaccine