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Meningitis is a condition in which the protective membranes of the brain or meninges become inflamed. This may be due to an infection or any other factor that causes physical or chemical trauma to the membranes. Infecting organisms may be bacteria, protozoa, viruses or fungi. Whenever the meninges are inflamed, there is a risk of spinal cord or brain involvement with possible loss in neurological function. The signs and symptoms of meningitis may not be picked up very easily in the initial stages if the attending physician is not well experienced.
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 causative organisms vary from one age group to another. Group B streptococci have been established to be especially common among newborns and young infants. The newborns get infected as they pass through the birth canal of infected mothers. Other possible organisms in this age group are E. Coli and Listeria monocytogenes. Children more than 6 weeks old are likely to be affected by H. Influenzae type b and Neiserria meningitidis. Adults are affected mainly by Streptococcus pneumoniae (80% of the cases).
Severe disease often leads to systemic involvement. A small amount of organisms in the blood stream results in a condition known as bacteraemia. If the amount is large enough to infect organs, the condition is referred to as septicaemia. When septicaemia is caused by Neisseria meningitidis, it is known as meningococcemia. It is a condition that affects blood vessels and causes widespread bleeding particularly beneath the skin.
The classic triad of symptoms includes fever, neck rigidity and altered mental status. This combination will be seen in about 45% of patients with bacterial meningitis. If none of these signs is present, then the probability that the condition in question is meningitis is very low. Neck stiffness occurs due to increased muscle tone. It occurs in 70% of the cases. Headache is present in about 90% of the cases.
Other common symptoms that may be observed include drowsiness, irritability when exposed to bright light (photophobia) and loss of appetite. In severe cases, patients may start to convulse and even become comatose. A lot of expertise is required in make a diagnosis in newborns and young infants since their presentation is not straight forward. 30% of them will have convulsions. Other signs include fever, lethargy, diarrhoea, irritability and poor feeding.
Meningococcal diseases results in distinct signs. There is often a change in colour of the skin. The colour becomes darker due to bleeding taking place underneath. There have also been reports of skin rashes, cold extremities, myalgia (muscle pain), joint pain (arthralgia), chills and increased rate of 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 causative organisms vary from one age group to another. Group B streptococci have been established to be especially common among newborns and young infants. The newborns get infected as they pass through the birth canal of infected mothers. Other possible organisms in this age group are E. Coli and Listeria monocytogenes. Children more than 6 weeks old are likely to be affected by H. Influenzae type b and Neiserria meningitidis. Adults are affected mainly by Streptococcus pneumoniae (80% of the cases).
Severe disease often leads to systemic involvement. A small amount of organisms in the blood stream results in a condition known as bacteraemia. If the amount is large enough to infect organs, the condition is referred to as septicaemia. When septicaemia is caused by Neisseria meningitidis, it is known as meningococcemia. It is a condition that affects blood vessels and causes widespread bleeding particularly beneath the skin.
The classic triad of symptoms includes fever, neck rigidity and altered mental status. This combination will be seen in about 45% of patients with bacterial meningitis. If none of these signs is present, then the probability that the condition in question is meningitis is very low. Neck stiffness occurs due to increased muscle tone. It occurs in 70% of the cases. Headache is present in about 90% of the cases.
Other common symptoms that may be observed include drowsiness, irritability when exposed to bright light (photophobia) and loss of appetite. In severe cases, patients may start to convulse and even become comatose. A lot of expertise is required in make a diagnosis in newborns and young infants since their presentation is not straight forward. 30% of them will have convulsions. Other signs include fever, lethargy, diarrhoea, irritability and poor feeding.
Meningococcal diseases results in distinct signs. There is often a change in colour of the skin. The colour becomes darker due to bleeding taking place underneath. There have also been reports of skin rashes, cold extremities, myalgia (muscle pain), joint pain (arthralgia), chills and increased rate of 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.
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