| Basics |
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Meningitis is an infection, which causes inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
Meningitis can either be bacterial or viral. Bacterial meningitis is very serious and should be treated immediately to prevent permanent damage. Viral meningitis is milder and occurs more often than bacterial meningitis. It usually develops in the winter and affects people under ages 30.
The disease is further divided into the following categories:
Meningitis; H. influenza
Meningitis; gram negative
Aseptic meningitis: This illness is characterized by headache, fever and inflammation of the lining of the brain (meningitis).
Meningitis; tuberculosis
Meningitis; staphylococcal
Meningitis; meningococcal
Meningitis; pneumococcal
Syphilitic aseptic meningitis: This disorder is characterized by changes in mental status and nerve functions.
Meningitis; cryptococcal: Caused by the yeast-type organism cryptococcus.
Some forms of bacterial meningitis are contagious. The bacteria are spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions.
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| Symptoms |
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- Stiff neck
- Severe headache
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Mental status changes
- Speech impairment
- Neck pain
- Muscle pain
- Hallucinations
- Facial paralysis
- Eyelids drooping or excessive drooping of the upper eyelid
- Drowsiness
- Consciousness, decreased
- Chills
- Breathing, rapid
- Agitation
- Positive Babinski's reflex -A reflex where the great toe flexes toward the top of the foot and the other toes fan out when the sole of the foot is firmly stroked
- Opisthotonos, which is an abnormal posturing characterized by rigidity and severe arching of the back, with the head thrown backwards such that if a person were laid on his or her back only the back of the head and the heels would touch the supporting surface.
- Poor appetite
- Irritability
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| Prevention |
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To prevent the occurrence of meningitis it is recommended that parents and close contacts of individuals with meningitis caused by certain bacterial strains take preventative measures to avoid infliction themselves. Haemophilus vaccine (HiB vaccine) in children will help prevent one type of meningitis, that is, Meningitis; H. influenza. |
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| Causes |
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The most common cause of meningitis is bacterial infection that starts in other parts of the body and spread to the brain or spinal cord via the bloodstream.
Viruses also cause meningitis.
Chemical irritation or tumors can also be responsible for meningitis.
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| Diagnosis |
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The symptoms of meningitis include:
The following diagnostic tests are carried out for the confirmation of meningitis:
- Chest X-ray
- Cranial CT scan: This is a CT scan (computed tomography) of the head.
- Lumbar Puncture: Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is the most common means of collecting a specimen of CSF (cerebrospinal fluid), which is used to detect the presence of bacteria. The CSF is a clear fluid that circulates in the space surrounding the spinal cord. The CSF protects the brain and spinal cord from injury and physical shocks, and carries products of neurosecretions (chemicals released by the neural tissue), chemicals in the cells, and chemical changes in the cells.
- Skull X-ray
Sinus X-ray: This test examines the air-filled cavities in the frontal bones on the skull that are lined with a mucous membrane.
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| Dietary Guidelines |
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A 24-hour liquid diet should be used once in a week to keep the body flushed and alkaline. The diet should consist of foods and vegetables with fresh carrot juice. Include cultured food such as yogurt and drink lots of water. |
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| Home Care Suggestions |
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Use alternate hot and cold packs on the neck and back of the head to stimulate circulation to the area. Avoid aluminum cookware deodorants. |
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| Mind/Body Considerations |
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Get some fresh air and early morning sunshine for relaxation as it relieves the mind and body. |
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