Meningitis, Causes and Effects
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Aug 17, 2006, 11:39
What is Meningitis?
Generally, meningitis transpires as a result due the spread of an infection. Essentially, mengitis is an inflammation of the membranes in the meninges and cerebrospinal fluid which surround both the brain and spinal cord.
What is the cause of meningitis?
Viral infections are the most prevalent cause of most cases of meningitis; however, bacterial and fungal infections may also trigger meningitis. Treatment for the meningitis inflammation is contingent upon the precise cause of the infection. For instance, viral meningitis is usually less serious as bacterial meningitis, which necessitates more immediate treatment.
In the past, the vast majority of reported cases transpired in children under the age of five. With the availability of current childhood vaccines, there is a higher rate of meningitis in adolescents and young adult between the ages of 15 and 24. Additionally, older adults have a higher
incidence rate of meningitis than many younger children do.
What happens if a case of bacterial meningitis goes untreated?
Untreated cases of bacterial meningitis may be fatal. Without medical attention, it is hard to determine the type of meningitis a person may have. If anyone you know has the symptoms of meningitis, immediate medical attention is required.
What ar the symptoms of meningitis?
Quite often, the symptoms associated with the flu can be misconstrued with meningitis. The early signs, stages and symptoms of meningitis, which will occur over a two day period, include the following:
An extreme headache
High Fever
Nausea and vomiting
A sensitivity to light
Fatigue, lethargy and Ð a difficulty waking up
A difficulty thinking, concentrating or even maintaining eye contact (often seen in young children)
Seizures
Stiff neck
Loss of appetite (food and beverages)
Skin rashes (seen in certain cases of viral or meningococcal meningitis)
Serious infection indicators may include: unusually pale complexion, icy cold feet and hands, leg pain,.
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