Meningitis is a condition in which meninges (protective membranes of the central nervous system) become inflamed. The condition is most commonly caused by microorganisms that may be bacteria, virus, protozoa or fungi. When caused by other factors other than microorganisms, it is referred to as being aseptic. The meninges are in close proximity to brain tissue and diseases affecting them often spread to the brain and spinal cord if not treated early. Unfortunately, the signs and symptoms of meningitis are not always specific to the condition.
The pattern of symptoms and signs varies depending on the stage of disease. Initially, the signs are usually non-specific and closely resemble those of flu. They become more distinct and clearer over time as the condition progresses. The symptomatology also varies based on the exact cause. Generally it takes a several hours to a few days for the disease to manifest itself. Viral disease usually progresses at a faster rate than bacterial disease.
The cause of meningitis varies among different age groups. In newborns, group B streptococci are the commonest cause. Others include E. Coli and Listeria monocytogenes. Older children are more likely to be infected by Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae type B particularly in countries where vaccination against these organisms is not available. In adults, close to 80% of the cases are attributable to Streptococcus pneumoniae. Common viruses include herpes simplex virus, enterovirus, HIV, mumps virus and varicella zoster virus among others.
When the disease is very severe, there is a high chance that there will be systemic involvement. Organisms may enter the circulation in varying quantities. If the quantity is small, the resultant condition is referred to as bacteraemia. When large enough to cause infection is other parts it is referred to as septicaemia. Septicaemia is fairly common in cases of infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis. It causes what is known as meningococcemia characterised by abnormal bleeding into the skin and internal organs.
The commonest presentation consists of a triad of symptoms. The triad comprises altered mental status, high fever and neck rigidity. Close to 45% of persons with the condition will have all these three signs. If all are absent then there is a big probability that meningitis is not one of the differential diagnoses. Neck stiffness which is the result of increased muscular tone is seen in as many as 70% of the cases. About 90% of patients have a persistent headache although this is not pathognomic of the condition.
Other symptoms to look out for include drowsiness or sluggishness, photophobia (sensitivity to light) and poor appetite. In very severe cases, the patient may start convulsing and go into a coma. Symptoms are particularly difficult to pick in infants and young children. The commonest presentation includes fever, poor feeding, convulsions, fatigue and irritability. Seizures in children occur in about 30% of the cases.
Meningococcal disease is associated with a number of specific clinical signs.it frequently causes a change in skin colour. This results from excessive bleeding beneath the skin. Other features are coldness of extremities, muscle pain, joint pain, stomach cramps, chills, skin rashes and rapid breathing.
The general advice is that one should seek medical attention as soon as they see signs and symptoms of meningitis. This will ensure that treatment is started at the earliest available opportunity. There are several drugs that be used to treat bacterial, fungal, viral or protozoa organisms responsible for the organisms. Corticosteroids are usually given at the same time to help reduce the inflammation. Delayed treatment may lead to complications such as hydrocephalus, epilepsy, deafness and cognitive deficits.
The pattern of symptoms and signs varies depending on the stage of disease. Initially, the signs are usually non-specific and closely resemble those of flu. They become more distinct and clearer over time as the condition progresses. The symptomatology also varies based on the exact cause. Generally it takes a several hours to a few days for the disease to manifest itself. Viral disease usually progresses at a faster rate than bacterial disease.
The cause of meningitis varies among different age groups. In newborns, group B streptococci are the commonest cause. Others include E. Coli and Listeria monocytogenes. Older children are more likely to be infected by Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae type B particularly in countries where vaccination against these organisms is not available. In adults, close to 80% of the cases are attributable to Streptococcus pneumoniae. Common viruses include herpes simplex virus, enterovirus, HIV, mumps virus and varicella zoster virus among others.
When the disease is very severe, there is a high chance that there will be systemic involvement. Organisms may enter the circulation in varying quantities. If the quantity is small, the resultant condition is referred to as bacteraemia. When large enough to cause infection is other parts it is referred to as septicaemia. Septicaemia is fairly common in cases of infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis. It causes what is known as meningococcemia characterised by abnormal bleeding into the skin and internal organs.
The commonest presentation consists of a triad of symptoms. The triad comprises altered mental status, high fever and neck rigidity. Close to 45% of persons with the condition will have all these three signs. If all are absent then there is a big probability that meningitis is not one of the differential diagnoses. Neck stiffness which is the result of increased muscular tone is seen in as many as 70% of the cases. About 90% of patients have a persistent headache although this is not pathognomic of the condition.
Other symptoms to look out for include drowsiness or sluggishness, photophobia (sensitivity to light) and poor appetite. In very severe cases, the patient may start convulsing and go into a coma. Symptoms are particularly difficult to pick in infants and young children. The commonest presentation includes fever, poor feeding, convulsions, fatigue and irritability. Seizures in children occur in about 30% of the cases.
Meningococcal disease is associated with a number of specific clinical signs.it frequently causes a change in skin colour. This results from excessive bleeding beneath the skin. Other features are coldness of extremities, muscle pain, joint pain, stomach cramps, chills, skin rashes and rapid breathing.
The general advice is that one should seek medical attention as soon as they see signs and symptoms of meningitis. This will ensure that treatment is started at the earliest available opportunity. There are several drugs that be used to treat bacterial, fungal, viral or protozoa organisms responsible for the organisms. Corticosteroids are usually given at the same time to help reduce the inflammation. Delayed treatment may lead to complications such as hydrocephalus, epilepsy, deafness and cognitive deficits.
About the Author:
You can visit the website www.meningitis-angels.org for more helpful information about The Main Signs And Symptoms Of Meningitis
0 comments:
Post a Comment