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What are symptoms post splenectomy?
The spleen is an important immune organ responsible for eliminating infections caused by encapsulated bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Without a spleen, encapsulated organisms have an easier time causing disease. Since encapsulated organisms can cause a variety of diseases, there is no consistent set of symptoms that are necessarily indicative of a post-splenectomy infection. However, as the organisms listed above also may cause meningitis, the appearance of meningitis symptoms (classically fever, headache, and neck stiffness) should lead to a prompt visit to the emergency room.
Symptoms of Spinal Meningitis?
Spinal meningitis is swelling around the brain and spinal cord. The cause of this swelling is typically a viral, bacterial or fungal infection. The infection itself can cause some symptoms, but it is the pressure on the brain and spinal cord that cause many of the symptoms and make the infection potentially lethal. Some meningitis will pass on its own. However, meningitis, particularly bacterial meningitis, can cause permanent brain damage or death. It is important to have a doctor determine the cause of the meningitis and oversee treatment. Meningitis can cause flu-like symptoms. These initial symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, stiff neck and loss of appetite. The above symptoms that should prompt a visit to the doctor are stiff neck, high fever and extreme headaches. Vomiting should also prompt a visit to the doctor if it is persistent and resulting in lack of nutrition and hydration. Because spinal meningitis affects the brain as well as the spine, it can produce neurological symptoms. These include difficulty concentrating, light sensitivity, trouble waking from sleep and seizures. If a person cannot concentrate, it is usually a sign of illness. A doctor should be seen to determine if the cause is meningitis or another serious illness. Seizures should always prompt a visit to the doctor, particularly if there is no history of seizures or no underlying seizure condition, such as epilepsy. More general symptoms of spinal meningitis include rash, irritability and sensitivity to loud noises. The rash may be extreme, causing red or purple spots that can group together and cause large areas of red or purple skin. This is a petechial rash, which will not reduce in color when pressed with a finger like many other rashes. People of any age can contract spinal meningitis, even infants. Small children are unable to convey pain except to cry. Incessant crying in small children can be a symptom of meningitis. Only a doctor can diagnose spinal meningitis so it is of the utmost importance that medical help be sought in cases where spinal meningitis is suspected.
What is the cause for headache in meningitis?
Meningitis causes swelling of the meninges which can result in pain and other symptoms. For appropriate diagnosis and treatment of headache disorders, consult a board certified headache specialist.
Can viral meningitis cause viral encephalitis?
Yes, viral meningitis can sometimes progress to viral encephalitis. This occurs when the viral infection spreads from the meninges (protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord) to the brain itself, causing inflammation and potentially more severe symptoms. It is important to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms suggest progression to encephalitis.
What are the key differences between viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis, and how can one distinguish between the two in terms of symptoms and treatment options?
Viral meningitis is usually less severe than bacterial meningitis and often resolves on its own without specific treatment. Symptoms of viral meningitis may include headache, fever, and sensitivity to light. Bacterial meningitis is more serious and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of bacterial meningitis may include sudden high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, and confusion. Treatment for bacterial meningitis typically involves antibiotics, while viral meningitis may be managed with rest and over-the-counter pain relievers. A healthcare provider can perform tests to determine the cause of meningitis and recommend appropriate treatment.
Could encephalitis and meningitis cause parkinson's?
I have been wondering the same thing. My mother had bacterial meningitis at age 63. She had no symptoms of Parkinson's before the meningitis, but she woke up from the coma with a tremor in her hand which was the first symptom. Nine years later, her Parkinson's has developed significantly.
What are the key differences between viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis, and how can one distinguish between the two?
Viral meningitis is usually less severe than bacterial meningitis and often resolves on its own. Bacterial meningitis is more serious and requires immediate medical treatment with antibiotics. To distinguish between the two, a doctor may perform a spinal tap to analyze the cerebrospinal fluid for the presence of bacteria or viruses. Symptoms such as fever, headache, and neck stiffness are common in both types of meningitis, but bacterial meningitis may also cause more severe symptoms like confusion, seizures, and coma.
Can meningitis cause Secondary vasculitis?
Yes, meningitis can sometimes cause secondary vasculitis. The inflammation and infection associated with meningitis can lead to damage and inflammation of blood vessels, resulting in vasculitis. This is more common in severe or prolonged cases of meningitis.
How do you tell if it is the flu or meningitis?
It will take a doctor examination and/or specific testing to make the determination, since the early symptoms of the flu and meningitis are similar. The hallmark symptoms of meningitis (except in toddlers and infants) are severe unrelenting headache, stiff neck, and high fever, usually with abrupt onset of the symptoms. The flu will almost always be accompanied by respiratory symptoms of cough, sneezing, and runny nose. The flu may cause general body and muscle aches, but usually not the classic severe neck stiffness and pain that most often accompanies meningitis and can prevent even the slightest head movement without pain.
What is the only organism that can cause epidemics of meningitis?
N. meningitidis is the only organism that can cause epidemics of meningitis.
Who is most at risk for meningitis?
it usually feeds on children and old people
Can meningitis cause a coma?
yes it can cause a coma
