Sunday, March 1, 2009

everything you want to know about Meningitis


Meningitis is an inflammation of the Leptomeninge and subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that protect the central nervous system, known collectively as the meninges. Meningitis is a disease involving inflammation or irritation of the meninges. Most cases of meningitis are caused by microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites, which spread in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Many of the bacteria or virus that can cause meningitis are very common and are more often associated with other conditions of everyday life. Sometimes, however, that the spread of the infection of the meninges to another body part. The meninges are composed of three layers of membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Loving mother is the innermost layer. It is similar to a document that adheres closely to the brain and spinal cord, dipping into the various folds and crevices. Arachnoid mother is the center of the layer. It is a filmy membrane that is connected to the pious mother and a fine wire spider's web.

Dura mater, a membrane similar to parchment, is outside of the meninges and adheres to the skull and vertebral canal. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is the liquid that circulates in the spaces within and around the brain and spinal cord. In the past, most cases of meningitis occurred in children under 5 years. But because the protection offered by current childhood vaccines, most cases of meningitis occur in the hours that young people aged between 15 and 24. Seniors also tend to have higher incidence of meningitis in young children do. Bacterial meningitis is less common viral meningitis, but is generally much more serious and can be fatal if not treated promptly. Many different types of bacteria can cause meningitis: Group B Streptococcus, Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes are the most common causes of meningitis in children. E 'can also get viral meningitis as a complication of chickenpox, but even this is very rare in healthy children.

Meningococcal meningitis is endemic in parts of Africa, India and other developing nations. Bacterial meningitis is contagious, meaning they can move to another or from spitting mucus. Symptoms in children younger than 12 months include high fever, fretfulness, irritability - especially when driving, difficulties awakening, drowsiness, difficulty in feeding and / or neck stiffness or a bulging fontanelle. Meningitis can also lead to rashes, skin rash, even if caused by bacterial meningitis, which is different from those caused by viral meningitis. Immunocompromised patients are at increased risk of opportunistic infections and acute bacterial meningitis. Immunocompromised patients may not show dramatic signs of fever or inflammation of the meninges. Complications of bacterial meningitis may require specific treatment. Rest, fluids and good nutrition, and measures to control fever and relieve pain, relieve discomfort and aid in recovery from viral meningitis. Drugs such as dexamethasone (a steroid that is not abused by bodybuilders steroids, which can reduce inflammation of the brain) are designed to reduce inflammation or to reduce the possibility or the spread of sepsis.

Tips to treat meningitis

1. Acute bacterial meningitis requires treatment with intravenous antibiotics to ensure recovery and reduce the risk of complications.

2nd Pneumovax (also known as Prevention) against Streptococcus pneumoniae is recommended for all persons 65 years or older.

3rd Drugs are as dexamethasone to reduce inflammation or to reduce the possibility or the spread of sepsis.

4 Antifungals to combat infection are usually managed as well as fluids and medications to control pain and fever.

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