Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord caused by microbial infection or other causes.

Causes and Classification

According to the etiology, the disease can be classified into:

• Bacterial meningitis: common are streptococcus pneumoniae, haemophilus influenzae, diplococcus meningitidis, or gram negative bacillus.
• Tuberculous meningitis: mainly tuberculosis bacillus infection.
• Fungal meningitis: cryptococcal infection is predominant.
• Aseptic meningitis: contains viral infections (herpes virus, enterovirus) and other causes.

Clinical Symptoms

Common symptoms are fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, and skin rash. In severe cases, conscious confusion, coma, convulsions, and even death can occur.

Route of Infection

It may be transmitted through droplets, direct contact with the patient's oral and nasal secretions or through feces and mouths. It may also be that the patient's own bacteria enter the brain through the bloodstream and cause infection.

Diagnostic Mode

For patients suspected of meningitis with the above symptoms, a lumbar puncture is required to obtain cerebrospinal fluid, and pathogen culture can be done to give correct treatment.

Therapy

There are different treatment principles for different pathogens.

• Bacterial, fungal and tuberculous meningitis: should be treated with antibiotics, and appropriate management should be given for possible conditions, such as antiepileptic drugs, tranquilizers, cerebral antihypertensive agents and disposal.
• Aseptic meningitis: supportive treatment such as hydration and rest.

Prognosis

• Most viral meningitis has a good prognosis unless complicated by encephalitis. Bacterial, fungal and tuberculous meningitis or viral encephalitis have higher mortality rates, and neurological sequelae such as unconsciousness, epilepsy and substantial brain damage may occur after survival.

Precautions

• Headache symptoms may occur after a lumbar puncture. It is advised to drink plenty of boiled water and increase your sodium intake in moderation.
• Get plenty of rest and avoid overwork.
• Get adequate and balanced nutrition.
• Avoid going to public or crowded places during epidemics and wear masks to prevent infection.
• Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene, follow respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette.
• Wash your hands frequently and properly.