The brain is usually covered with layers protective covering called meninges. Sometimes infections spread to these coverings resulting in inflammation. It is this inflammation that is referred to as meningitis. The pathogens are commonly transported to the brain after gaining access into the blood. The disease is potentially fatal and thus knowing the various signs and symptoms of meningitis becomes extremely important.
Two major forms of this disorder exist, and they slightly differ in the presentation and final outcome. These forms are bacterial and viral infections. Under special circumstances, other organisms namely fungi, and parasites occasionally cause the ailment. This is a rare event, and he patients usually have a declined immune system.
Bacterial disease is the most common form, and it is characterized with rapid deterioration of the patient. It is a medical emergency. Immediate consultation with a doctor should be sought when the ailment is suspected. It carries a mortality rate of 20 to 30 percent with treatment. The mortality rate becomes worse without treatment of the malady.
Majority of patients with this ailment complain of severe headaches making it the most common symptom. Studies show that it occurs in ninety percent of cases reported. The headaches present mostly in the bacterial ailment. Neck rigidity is among the major complaints. Patients with neck rigidity, normally complain of difficulty in flexing the structure. Chills and high fevers also occur a lot in these patients.
Fear of sound, photo-phobia, and an altered conscious state are among other indication of this infection. The deranged mental state could present in the form of delirium, confusion, irritability and seizures. Meningococcal meningitis commonly presents with pain in the joints, blood clotting within the vessels and rashes that resemble bruises. Projectile, strong vomit is also a characteristic of the infection.
Diagnosis of the infection should be suspected subject to further investigations when patient comes with below complaints; neck stiffness, sudden onset of high grade fever and a deranged mental status. These three are known as the triad of meningitis infections. Lack of these three makes diagnosis of the disease highly unlikely. Other signs of the disease mentioned above must be kept in mind because the infection has different presentations.
Disease progression is usually quick. A quarter of those suffering from the disease get the symptoms within twenty four hours of infection. It may take a couple of days or weeks for symptoms to develop in some people. Sometimes it is slowed when the patient is taking antibiotics for another condition in the body.
It is crucial for folks to know that several diseases and conditions can mimic presentation of this infection. Many diseases present with high fevers. Headaches too are common to many ailments. This calls for a thorough investigation of each symptom for proper diagnosis. Disease states like cerebral malaria, severe dehydration, encephalitis and metabolic illnesses can all cause alteration in conscious level of a person.
The disease can be treated when discovered early and the outcome is usually good. The patient may be hospitalized depending on the state of presentation or treated as an outpatient. Knowledge of the above signs and symptoms of meningitis can be a life saver.
Two major forms of this disorder exist, and they slightly differ in the presentation and final outcome. These forms are bacterial and viral infections. Under special circumstances, other organisms namely fungi, and parasites occasionally cause the ailment. This is a rare event, and he patients usually have a declined immune system.
Bacterial disease is the most common form, and it is characterized with rapid deterioration of the patient. It is a medical emergency. Immediate consultation with a doctor should be sought when the ailment is suspected. It carries a mortality rate of 20 to 30 percent with treatment. The mortality rate becomes worse without treatment of the malady.
Majority of patients with this ailment complain of severe headaches making it the most common symptom. Studies show that it occurs in ninety percent of cases reported. The headaches present mostly in the bacterial ailment. Neck rigidity is among the major complaints. Patients with neck rigidity, normally complain of difficulty in flexing the structure. Chills and high fevers also occur a lot in these patients.
Fear of sound, photo-phobia, and an altered conscious state are among other indication of this infection. The deranged mental state could present in the form of delirium, confusion, irritability and seizures. Meningococcal meningitis commonly presents with pain in the joints, blood clotting within the vessels and rashes that resemble bruises. Projectile, strong vomit is also a characteristic of the infection.
Diagnosis of the infection should be suspected subject to further investigations when patient comes with below complaints; neck stiffness, sudden onset of high grade fever and a deranged mental status. These three are known as the triad of meningitis infections. Lack of these three makes diagnosis of the disease highly unlikely. Other signs of the disease mentioned above must be kept in mind because the infection has different presentations.
Disease progression is usually quick. A quarter of those suffering from the disease get the symptoms within twenty four hours of infection. It may take a couple of days or weeks for symptoms to develop in some people. Sometimes it is slowed when the patient is taking antibiotics for another condition in the body.
It is crucial for folks to know that several diseases and conditions can mimic presentation of this infection. Many diseases present with high fevers. Headaches too are common to many ailments. This calls for a thorough investigation of each symptom for proper diagnosis. Disease states like cerebral malaria, severe dehydration, encephalitis and metabolic illnesses can all cause alteration in conscious level of a person.
The disease can be treated when discovered early and the outcome is usually good. The patient may be hospitalized depending on the state of presentation or treated as an outpatient. Knowledge of the above signs and symptoms of meningitis can be a life saver.
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