Meningitis

Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord. There are different forms of Meningitis. The most common is viral; it is contracted through the nose and mouth. It tends to affect children and adults younger than 30 and is more common late summer and early fall. Another form is bacterial, it is much more severe and mimics cold like infection. Fungi, chemical irritation, drug allergies, and tumors are also causes of meningitis. Meningitis has numerous symptoms including sudden fever, altered mental status, stiff neck, severe headache, sensitivity to bright lights, seizures, and extreme fatigue. Once the symptoms are understood, there are many different exams that can be done to check for meningitis. Blood tests, chest x-ray, lumbar puncture, CT, and MRI can lead to diagnosis. In the case of a lumbar puncture, the patient's CSF is extracted and from that we measure glucose and cell count. There is some treatment for meningitis. Many cases of viral actually resolve without treatment usually withing two weeks and with no after effects. Bacterial, on the other hand, requires early treatment and even then it does not guarantee the patient will not die or suffer brain damage. Some of the after effects that may occur include memory loss, problems with coordination, reoccuring headaches, loss of balance, difficulties learning, seizures, and change in sight. Meningitis is something I have heard over and over again, especially with college students; but up until researching, it I did not really have any idea what it entailed or how serious it can be.

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