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Meningitis

Meningitis is a potentially life-threatening condition, which results in the inflammation of the tissues surrounding the central nervous system. It is triggered mainly by either a bacterium or a virus.

401 Questions

What could you do to help a dog with meningitis?

Take your dog into your Veterinarian to be treated. Only a Vet will be able to treat your dog properly and tell you how you can help.

Is meningitis contagious after antibiotic treatment?

Meningitis is contagious. It can be spread by coming into contact with an infected person's respiratory secretions. Small children who are not yet toilet trained and their caretakers may also spread the virus.

Not everyone who is infected with meningitis will actually get the disease. Therefore, it is not always obvious when you are at risk for infection. When it comes to personal hygiene, common sense can help prevent the spread of viral meningitis. This may include:

  • washing hands often
  • disinfecting surfaces with chlorine bleach mixed with water

Because viral menigitis is caused by the enterovirus, it is important to note that this virus is active in the summer and early fall.

http://www.symptoms-of-meningitis.co.uk is a good site for meningitis information.

Does the meningitis shot hurt?

Answer

No, it doesnt hurt any more than a regular shot. You should not feel too much pain, unless you overreact, stay calm, if you strain your muscles you will have pain for the next 3 days after the shot.

I promise, its nothing to be afraid of. I got mine last year, and it hurt MUCH less then stubbing your toe, or getting a paper cut. No need to be scared!

Is omnicef used to treat meningitis in children?

Yes, the prescription drug called Omnicef is used to treat meningitis in children. It is typically given to children who are 6 months to 12 years old.

What infections may cause a person to contract meningitis?

A person may have another type of infection (of the lungs, throat, or tissues of the heart) caused by an organism that can also cause meningitis.

What are the concerns of spinal meningitis?

Spiral meningitis is a condition usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection, which causes inflammation and swelling in the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms and signs include headaches, high fevers, stiff necks and backs, fatigue, and sensitivity to bright lights. There are treatments for spinal meningitis, which depend on the cause of the condition.

What are some of the long term side effects of spinal meningitis?

Meningitis may be difficult to diagnose. It may occur as spinal meningitis, bacterial meningitis or viral meningitis. Spinal meningitis can only be confirmed by lumbar puncture.

There are two divisions of meningitis -- viral (caused by a virus) and bacterial (caused by one of several types and strains of bacteria residing in the throat or nasal passages). The bacterial form of meningitis is extremely dangerous, fast-moving and has the most potential for being fatal. Left untreated, it usually results in death. Threats to infants and children from meningitis include paralysis or death.

In adults there is a risk of circulatory problems as well. For many survivors, the long-term effects can be debilitating, possibly including multiple amputations (caused by gangrene), hearing loss, and kidney damage. Heart damage can result from endocarditis. There can also be neurological problems such as epilepsy and learning difficulties.

Many (but not all) forms of bacterial meningitis can be prevented in adults by vaccination.

Is there a vaccine for meningitis viral?

Yes there is! its called AWSH54 and was invented by a man named Michael Janske in 1994. He is currently living with his wife Kellie and daughter Krystal and Linny in Savage MN. Hope this answers your question!

-Nolan

Meningitis Symptoms to Watch For?

Meningitis occurs when a viral or bacterial infection spreads to or starts in the coverings around the brain or the spinal cord, resulting in severe inflammation. In most cases, young children and young adults are the most at risk; however, anyone with a compromised immune system can develop meningitis.

Viral meningitis is the most common form of this illness, and it is generally not life threatening unless complications develop. Bacterial meningitis, however, is incredibly serious and can lead to brain damage or death if not treated immediately. The symptoms for both types of meningitis are the same, although viral meningitis may come on more slowly than bacterial.

Common Symptoms of Meningitis

In many cases, the symptoms of meningitis mimic those of a severe flu. Muscle aches, weakness and tingling throughout the body are exceedingly common, and oftentimes the symptoms of meningitis are mistaken for the flu at first. In addition to this, patients almost always have a fever, and may experience prolonged and debilitating headaches. The combination of headaches and a fever can lead to vomiting.

A person may become confused and have difficulty staying awake, and in severe cases, seizures may occur. Perhaps the most notable sign of meningitis, however, is the inability to move the neck downwards due to pain and stiffness in the neck: this is caused by inflammation in the brain and spinal cord. Some patients may also develop a rash on the skin, or experience sensitivity to light. Dizzy spells occurring when a person moves from a sitting to standing position may also occur.

Symptoms of Meningitis in Babies

Meningitis can be slightly difficult to note in babies, as they cannot convey how they are feeling. However, the most common signs to watch for in young children are unusual irritability, especially when being held, and a decrease in appetite and vomiting. A baby with meningitis will often emit a high-pitched cry, and will likely develop a rash somewhere on his or her body. When a child is young enough to have an open "soft spot" on his or her head, this area may bulge out, and the baby's entire body may become stiff.

What is the correct sequence from outermost to innermost layers of meninges?

dura mater- this is the strongest outermost covering and external to it is epidural space filled with adipose and veins

arachnoid mater- is a web-like middle cover and deep to it lies the subarachnoid space which is filled with CSF

pia mater- is the very thin innermost covering and clings tightly to the brain and spinal cord

What color is meningitis?

Meningitis is a nerve inflammation from various causes. There is a rash associated with bacterial meningitis (Neisseriameningitidis) that consists of irregular red or purple spots. But these are not the primary clinical symptom.

Do inflamed meninges allow medicines to cross through them?

Yes. Certain medications are more likely to cross the meninges if the meninges are inflamed. Penicillins work in this way which is why they are so good in the treatment of meningitis. Once the inflammation goes down (so there is no longer a need for antibiotics) then the barrier is restored.

What is the function of meningitis?

It has no function per se ... it's a condition that should never happen.

It is an infection of the meninges, the outer tissue coverings of the brain.

How many people die from meningitis in Ireland?

In Ireland, the incidence of meningitis has been relatively low, with annual cases typically ranging from a few dozen to around a hundred. The number of deaths from meningitis varies each year, but it is generally low, often fewer than ten fatalities annually. Vaccination programs have significantly reduced the rates of bacterial meningitis. For the most accurate and up-to-date statistics, it's best to consult the Health Service Executive (HSE) or relevant health authorities.

What is the Role of dexamethasone in pyogenic meningitis in children?

Dexamethasone is used in treatment of pyogenic meningitis in adults. Dexamethasone is not indicated for children with pyogenic meningitis if the symptoms are advanced.