Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges (membranes) that surround the brain and spinal cord. The swelling caused by meningitis triggers symptoms like a stiff neck, headache, and fever. It can either be caused by a bacterial infection or virus, and most cases in the United States are caused by a viral infection. Some forms of meningitis can be life-threatening, requiring emergency treatment. Meningitis comes in a few different forms, including the following:
Usually, meningitis is caused by a bacteria or virus. However, the other forms of meningitis are also caused by some types of fungal and chemicals; there are known as fungal and chemical meningitis.
1. Viral meningitis
Viral meningitis, although not severe, can make someone very ill. Some people find the after effects of the illness to be life-altering. Several people who have suffered from viral meningitis in the past also reported that they feel a form of milder meningitis. However, studies are still on-going to understand it better. Although anyone is prone to develop viral meningitis, it is common among young children and infants.
The symptoms of viral meningitis are similar to those of bacterial meningitis. As a result, it is important to get urgent medical aid. There are several viruses that can cause meningitis, the enterovirus being the common cause. This type of meningitis is not generally contagious. Moreover, there is no definite treatment for the majority of viral meningitis cases. Doctors usually recommend painkillers, proper rest, and hydration. Also, antibiotics do not affect viruses but there are some cases where antibiotics may be prescribed if the cause of meningitis is unknown.
2. Bacterial meningitis
Bacterial meningitis needs urgent medical treatment. Sometimes, the condition can also cause blood poisoning or septicemia. People suffering from bacterial meningitis may sometimes have life-long effects. Anyone suffering from meningitis would need to be hospitalized immediately under urgent care. If this type of meningitis is treated quickly, there are lesser chances of it becoming fatal. Anyone, irrespective of their age, can get affected by this type of meningitis. However, it is commonly found to affect young children and babies. This happens because their defense mechanism is developing.
3. Tuberculosis meningitis
Tuberculosis meningitis mostly develops gradually. Anyone can develop this type of meningitis but people living in poor conditions are at a higher risk of developing it. The tuberculosis infection starts in the lungs and is found that one to two percent of the cases have progressed into tuberculosis meningitis. A minimum of twenty percent of people suffering from this condition suffer from the after effects for a long term. The after effects include hearing loss, paralysis, epilepsy, and serious damage to the brain.
Unfortunately, the survival rate for this condition is quite slim even with appropriate treatment and care. Initially, a person who develops tuberculosis meningitis shows symptoms that are vague, which include persistent headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, and pain. These symptoms can last for some weeks before displaying meningitis-specific symptoms, like stiffness of the neck, sensitive eyesight, and serious headaches. As the disease progresses slowly, the diagnosis gets tougher.