What Is Meningitis? Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It causes severe pain and fever.
Meningitis is an infection that affects the lining of the brain and spinal cord, causing symptoms similar to those of flu. The most common cause of meningitis is viral, but bacterial infections also occur.
Meningitis is caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, or other microorganisms. Viral meningitis usually occurs during cold and flu season, while bacterial meningitis tends to happen year round. Bacterial meningitis is often associated with a high fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and confusion.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Meningitis?
The symptoms of viral meningitis tend to appear within 24 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus. They include headache, stiff neck, fever, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. In some cases, people who develop viral meningitis also develop a rash.
What Are Some Common Causes Of Meningitis? What Can I Do To Prevent This Condition?
Viral meningitis is caused by one of several viruses, such as herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella zoster virus (VZV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or cytomegalovirus (CMV). These viruses usually cause cold sores, chickenpox, shingles, mononucleosis, or pneumonia. Other possible causes include bacterial infections, such as strep throat, tuberculosis, Lyme disease, syphilis, or other fungal infections.
What Are The Different Types Of Meningitis?
There are three main types of viral meningitis: acute, subacute, and chronic. Acute meningitis occurs when symptoms appear suddenly and last less than two weeks. Subacute meningitis lasts between two weeks and six months. Chronic meningitis lasts longer than six months.
What Are The Most Effective Treatments For Meningitis?
If you suspect you have meningitis, contact your doctor immediately. He or she will perform tests to determine whether you have bacterial or viral meningitis. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial meningitis. Viral meningitis usually requires no treatment. However, some people with viral meningitis need antiviral medications to prevent complications.