Meningitis

Meningitisinflammation ofsheathsmembranes (meninges) coveringbrain andspinal cord. Althoughmost common causesinfection (either bacterial or viral), chemical agentseven tumor cells may cause meningitis. Encephalitisbrain abscess can complicate infective meningitis.

Major bacteria that cause meningitisstreptococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, staphylococcusmeningococcus.

The classical symptomsmeningitisheadache, neck stiffnessphotophobia (the triocalled "meningism"). An altered levelconsciousness or other neurological deficits may be present depending onseverity ofdisease. A lumbar punctureobtain cerebrospinal fluidusually indicateddeterminecausedirect appropriate treatment.

Meningitis ismedical emergencyhigh levelsfatality andcauseusuallybacteria strain thathighly treatable by antibiotics, patientssuspected meningitis should immediately undergolumbar puncture procedure afterCT scan (which will eliminatepossible brain swelling that may causebrain herniation during lumbar puncture)broad spectrum antibiotics should be urgently started beforeculture studiescompleted. If lumbar puncture can not be performed becausebrain swelling orpossible concomitant brain abscess,broad spectrum intravenous antibioticstarted anywaylatercan be replaced withmore specific antibiotic depending onresultsblood culture studies.

Meningitisusually caused byinfectious disorders ofneighbouring structures (sinuses, mastoid cellsear etc.). Diagnostic tests should be runfindtreat these possible sourcesinfection, as well. Convulsionsfrequently encountered duringcoursemeningitis andtreated appropriate anti-seizure drugs like phenytoin.