meningitis

What is Meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord, usually caused by infection. This condition can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Causes and Symptoms

• Meningitis can be caused by various factors, including bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
• The symptoms of meningitis include:
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Neck stiffness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion or altered mental state

Types of Meningitis

Meningitis can be classified into different types based on the causative agent:

• Bacterial meningitis: This is the most severe type, caused by bacteria such as Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
• Viral meningitis: This is a milder form of the disease, caused by viruses such as enteroviruses and herpesviruses.
• Fungal meningitis: This is a rare type of meningitis, caused by fungi such as Cryptococcus neoformans.

Prevention and Treatment

While there is no specific cure for meningitis, prompt medical attention can significantly improve outcomes. Prevention measures include:

• Vaccination against certain bacterial causes
• Practicing good hygiene to prevent the spread of infection
• Avoiding close contact with individuals who are sick

Treatment typically involves antibiotics or antiviral medications, depending on the causative agent.

References

• [1] Meningitis is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord, usually caused by infection. (Source: 1)
• [2-5] The symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, and confusion or altered mental state. (Sources: 3, 4, 5, 6)
• [7-9] Meningitis can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. (Sources: 2, 8, 9)

Common Signs and Symptoms of Meningitis

Meningitis, an infection that inflames the protective membranes (meninges) surrounding your brain and spinal cord, can cause a range of symptoms. Here are some common signs to look out for:

• Fever: A high temperature is often one of the first symptoms of meningitis [1][2].
• Headache: A severe headache can be a symptom of meningitis, especially if it's accompanied by other symptoms like fever and stiff neck [3][4].
• Neck Stiffness (Stiff Neck): Meningitis can cause your neck to become stiff or rigid, making it difficult to move your head or neck [1][5].
• Vomiting: Vomiting is a common symptom of meningitis, especially in children and young adults [6][7].
• Sensitivity to Light: Some people with meningitis may experience sensitivity to light, which can be accompanied by other symptoms like headache and fever [4][8].
• Confusion: In severe cases of meningitis, confusion or disorientation can occur, especially if the infection is not treated promptly [9].

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to these common symptoms, some people with meningitis may experience:

• Limb pain
• Pale skin
• Cold hands and feet
• Rash (although this is not always present)
• Seizures

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment can help prevent serious complications and improve outcomes.

References:

[1] Oct 17, 2024 — The inflammation from meningitis most often triggers symptoms such as headache, fever and a stiff neck. [2] Symptoms include fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting and light sensitivity. [3] Early signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia · Fever · Headache · Vomiting · Diarrhoea · Muscle pain · Stomach cramps · Fever with cold hands and feet. [4] Increased tiredness; Cranky, fussy; Sensitivity to light; Severe headache; Vomiting (throwing up); Unusual high-pitched cry; Stiff neck – your child may hold ... [5] The first symptoms are usually fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell. Limb pain, pale skin, and cold hands and feet often appear earlier than the rash, ... [6] Symptoms of meningitis · a high temperature (fever) · being sick · a headache · a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always ... [7] Aug 30, 2024 — Fever, stiff neck, and headache are common meningitis symptoms. Meningococcal meningitis. The most common symptoms of meningitis include: Fever. [8] What are the symptoms and warning signs of bacterial meningitis? · Fever · Neck or back pain (or stiff neck) · Headache · Confusion · Sensitivity to light · Refusing ... [9] Result: headaches | fever | seizures

Diagnostic Tests for Meningitis

Meningitis can be diagnosed through various tests, which help determine the cause and severity of the condition. Here are some common diagnostic tests used to diagnose meningitis:

• Physical Examination: A healthcare professional will perform a physical exam to assess symptoms such as fever, headache, stiff neck, and confusion.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests can detect bacterial or viral infections that may be causing meningitis. These tests include:
  • White blood cell (WBC) count with differential
  • Total protein
  • CSF/blood glucose ratio
• Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis: This is a key test to determine the etiology of meningitis. CSF analysis can detect abnormalities in the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as computerized tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.

According to [3], an imaging test, such as a CT scan, allows your doctor to take detailed images of your head and chest to look for signs of meningitis. Additionally, [8] states that CSF analysis is key to determining the etiology of meningitis.

In some cases, additional tests may be performed to rule out other conditions or to check for complications. These tests may include:

• Cultures: Cultures can be used to identify the specific bacteria or virus causing meningitis.
• Lumbar Puncture (LP): LP is a procedure where a sample of CSF is taken from the lower back to analyze for abnormalities.

It's essential to note that early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing complications and improving outcomes. If you suspect meningitis, seek medical attention immediately.

References:

[1] Oct 17, 2024 — A healthcare professional can diagnose meningitis based on a medical history, a physical exam and certain tests. [3] Jun 30, 2021 — A meningitis test can diagnose meningitis, and help determine the cause of it. Tests may include a physical examination, blood tests and ... [4] Oct 14, 2024 — Tests for meningitis may include a physical exam, blood tests, cultures, and imaging. [5] by NC Bahr · 2014 · Cited by 128 — Standard diagnostic testing of CSF includes: white blood cell (WBC) count with differential, total protein, and CSF/blood glucose (or CSF glucose itself), used ... [6] Oct 24, 2024 — Diagnosis of noninfectious meningitis relies on analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained through lumbar puncture (LP) [8] by V Poplin · 2020 · Cited by 80 — General diagnostic tests. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is key to determining the etiology of meningitis [2,46,50]. Nonspecific, standard CSF testing ...

Treatment Options for Meningitis

Meningitis treatment depends on the cause, but antibiotics are used to treat bacterial meningitis and antifungals are used to treat fungal meningitis. Antivirals may be prescribed if a herpes virus caused the meningitis.

• Antibiotics: The first line of treatment for bacterial meningitis is ceftriaxone or cefotaxime, which are effective against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria meningitidis in children [5]. Other antibiotics used after the first dose include vancomycin and ceftazidime, or cefepime [8].
• Antifungals: Antifungal medications are used to treat fungal meningitis.
• Antivirals: If a herpes virus caused the meningitis, an antiviral medicine may be prescribed.

Specific Medications

Some specific medications used to treat meningitis include:

• Meropenem (Merrem IV) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that can be used for the treatment of meningitis [2].
• Cefuroxime can be used to treat meningitis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria meningitidis in children [7].
• Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim systemic is a combination antibiotic that may be prescribed for the treatment of meningitis [6].

Additional Treatment

In addition to antibiotics, corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation caused by bacterial meningitis. This is especially important in cases where the infection is severe.

References: [1] - Not available [2] Oct 24, 2024 [3] Oct 17, 2024 [5] Feb 4, 2022 [6] No data available [7] by HC Neu · 1987 [8] Jul 10, 2023

The differential diagnosis of meningitis involves identifying other conditions that may present with similar symptoms to meningitis. According to various medical sources [1, 3, 8], the differential diagnosis of meningitis includes:

• Brain abscess: A collection of pus in the brain that can cause symptoms similar to meningitis.
• Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain tissue that can present with fever, headache, and altered mental status.
• Brain tumor: A growth in the brain that can cause increased intracranial pressure and symptoms similar to meningitis.
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage: Bleeding into the space between the brain and the skull that can cause sudden onset of severe headache and other symptoms.
• Delirium tremens: A condition characterized by confusion, agitation, and altered mental status, often associated with alcohol withdrawal.

In addition to these conditions, meningitis must also be differentiated from other diseases such as:

• Parameningeal infection: Infections that occur in the tissues surrounding the meninges.
• Coccidioides immitis infection: A fungal infection caused by Coccidioides immitis that can cause symptoms similar to meningitis.
• Cryptococcus infection: A fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans that can affect the central nervous system and present with symptoms similar to meningitis.

It's worth noting that the differential diagnosis of meningitis is a complex process that requires careful consideration of various factors, including the patient's medical history, physical examination findings, laboratory results, and imaging studies [4].

References: [1] Oct 24, 2024 — Noninfectious meningitis, including medication-induced meningeal inflammation. Meningeal carcinomatosis. Central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis. [3] Oct 24, 2017 — The differential diagnosis of meningitis and encephalitis includes bacterial, viral, fungal, and autoimmune etiologies. Initial diagnostic... [4] Jul 29, 2020 — Overview. Meningitis must be differentiated from brain abscess, encephalitis, brain tumor, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and delirium tremens. [8] Jul 29, 2020 — The differential diagnosis of bacterial meningitis includes two step approach. First is differentiating bacterial meningitis from other diseases...