Meningitis

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain. There are three meninges, including the following:

dura mater - the outside membrane that adheres to the inside of the skull.
arachnoid - the middle membrane.
pia mater - the innermost membrane, which adheres to the brain.

What causes meningitis?

There are two distinct types of meningitis, each with different causes:

viral - caused by a virus	Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial meningitis, although rarely life threatening. Viral meningitis can be caused by different viruses, and is spread between people by coughing or sneezing, or through poor hygiene. Other germs can be found in sewage polluted water. Viral meningitis cannot be helped by antibiotics. Recovery is normally complete, but headaches, fatigue, and depression may persist.
bacterial - caused by a bacterium	Bacterial meningitis, although rare, may be fatal. Bacteria may be spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions, such as coughing and kissing, but they cannot live outside the body for long. They cannot be picked up from water supplies, swimming pools, buildings, etc. Many species of bacteria can cause meningitis, but four types account for most cases: neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) Meningococcus is found in the nasopharynx of about 5 percent of the population and is spread by respiratory droplets and close contact. For unknown reasons, only a small fraction of carriers develop meningitis. Meningococcal meningitis occurs most often in the first year of life, but may also occur in closed populations, such as schools. streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) Pneumococcus is the most common cause of adult meningitis. Those at high risk may include persons with chronic ear infections, sinus infections, closed head injury, recurrent meningitis, and pneumococcal pneumonia. group B streptococcus Group B streptococcus is becoming a more frequent cause of meningitis in persons over the age of 50, particularly when underlying conditions or diseases are present. It is also responsible for meningitis in neonates. Listeria monocytogenes Listeria monocytogenes has become a more frequent cause of meningitis in neonates, pregnant women, persons over the age of 60, and in persons of all ages who are immunocompromised.

viral - caused by a virus

Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial meningitis, although rarely life threatening. Viral meningitis can be caused by different viruses, and is spread between people by coughing or sneezing, or through poor hygiene. Other germs can be found in sewage polluted water.
Viral meningitis cannot be helped by antibiotics. Recovery is normally complete, but headaches, fatigue, and depression may persist.

bacterial - caused by a bacterium

Bacterial meningitis, although rare, may be fatal.
Bacteria may be spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions, such as coughing and kissing, but they cannot live outside the body for long. They cannot be picked up from water supplies, swimming pools, buildings, etc.
Many species of bacteria can cause meningitis, but four types account for most cases:
- neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) Meningococcus is found in the nasopharynx of about 5 percent of the population and is spread by respiratory droplets and close contact. For unknown reasons, only a small fraction of carriers develop meningitis. Meningococcal meningitis occurs most often in the first year of life, but may also occur in closed populations, such as schools.
- streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus)
  Pneumococcus is the most common cause of adult meningitis. Those at high risk may include persons with chronic ear infections, sinus infections, closed head injury, recurrent meningitis, and pneumococcal pneumonia.
- group B streptococcus
  Group B streptococcus is becoming a more frequent cause of meningitis in persons over the age of 50, particularly when underlying conditions or diseases are present. It is also responsible for meningitis in neonates.
- Listeria monocytogenes
  Listeria monocytogenes has become a more frequent cause of meningitis in neonates, pregnant women, persons over the age of 60, and in persons of all ages who are immunocompromised.

How does the infection reach the brain?

The infection can reach the brain via several different routes, including through the bloodstream from another infected part of the body, through the bones of the skull from infected sinuses or inner ears, or from a head injury, such as a fractured skull or penetrating wound. In particular, this occurs when the body's resistance is compromised by certain factors such as following surgery or an extended hospitalization, a weakened immune system, or as a result of chronic kidney failure.

What are the symptoms of meningitis?

The following are the most common symptoms of meningitis. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

fever
headache
nausea and vomiting
stiff neck
photophobia (low tolerance to bright light)
confusion
joint aches or pains
drowsiness
seizures

Symptoms for children may also include:

fever
high-pitched cry
pale, blotchy skin color
not wanting to eat
vomiting
fretful and fussy
arching back
difficult to wake

It is important to note that these symptoms may not occur all at once, nor in everyone who contracts meningitis. The symptoms of meningitis may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

How is meningitis diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for meningitis may include the following:

lumbar puncture (spinal tap) - a special needle is placed into the lower back, into the spinal canal. This is the area around the spinal cord. The pressure in the spinal canal and brain can then be measured. A small amount of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) can be removed and sent for testing to determine if there is an infection or other problems. CSF is the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord.
blood testing
computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.

Treatment for meningitis:

Specific treatment for meningitis will be determined by your physician based on:

your age, overall health, and medical history
extent of the disease
the organism that is causing the infection
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

bacterial meningitis
Treatment for bacterial meningitis usually involves intravenous (IV) antibiotics. The earlier the treatment is initiated, the better the outcome.

While steroid administration has been shown to be helpful in treating bacterial meningitis in infants and children, this treatment is used less frequently in adults. Dexamethasone, a type of steroid, may be given in more acute cases of bacterial meningitis, to decrease the inflammatory response caused by the bacteria.
viral meningitis
Treatment for viral meningitis is usually supportive (aimed at relieving symptoms). With the exception of the herpes simplex virus, there are no specific medications to treat the organisms that cause viral meningitis.
fungal meningitis
An intravenous anti-fungal medication may be administered to treat fungal meningitis.
tuberculous (TB) meningitis
A long course (one year) of medications is recommended for persons who develop TB meningitis. The therapy usually involves treatment with several different medications for the first few months, followed by other medications.

What is supportive therapy for meningitis?

While a person is recovering from meningitis, other therapies may be initiated to improve healing and comfort, and provide relief from symptoms. These may include the following:

bed rest
medications (to reduce fever and headache)

In addition, supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation (respirator) may be required if you become very ill and have difficulty breathing.

Prevention of meningitis:

Several vaccines are currently available to prevent some of the bacterial organisms that can cause meningitis. However, routine vaccination with these vaccines is recommended primarily for infants and children.

In certain conditions, your physician may recommend one of the meningitis vaccines. These conditions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

chronic lung conditions, such as emphysema or COPD
heart disease
diabetes
chronic renal (kidney) failure
travel to countries where meningitis is prevalent
decreased immunity status
certain blood disorders

If you have questions regarding prevention, consult your physician.

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