Everything to know about meningitis

You may have heard of this disorder, and you might have a vague idea of how deadly it can be. Meningitis is one of the deadliest inflammation disorders to exist, because it can be quick in its progress, and if left untreated can wreak havoc.

If not fatal, meningitis can leave the patients with severe side effects in the way that their brain functions. It’s so quick in its effect, that patients barely survive a day, let alone a few days. So what is it about this disorder that makes it so deadly? And what are meningitis symptoms anyway?

Meningitis: what it is and what it isn’t
Meningitis refers to the swelling and inflammation of the membranes and protective tissue around the brain and spinal cord. These membranes are known as Meninges. While it is most often caused by an infection, any number of triggers may set off its progress. Any physical injury, certain types of cancers, and even drugs may cause meningitis. For obvious reasons, meningitis is much worse in babies since they are unable to report any of the numerous symptoms. The most common and visible of all meningitis symptoms is the skin rash. However, ask any doctor, and they’ll tell you that waiting for the rash to show itself might be too late.

Causes
Though there may be endless causes, two most common categories are viruses and bacteria. We’re exposed to an infinite number of bacteria and viruses on a day to day basis. This is why most of us suffer from common infections or allergies. These get more serious when these bacteria and viruses enter the body and cause intestinal or stomach infections. These are treatable. However, when bacteria get into the nervous system is when things start getting serious. This may happen either through the blood or if one suffers a physical injury to the head, leaving open wounds through which bacteria can enter. Parasites are rarely ever to blame, and cancers are rarer so. However, for every case of meningitis, the exact cause must be determined at the earliest, because the treatment will depend on the cause of the problem. Meningitis caused by bacteria is treated differently than meningitis caused by an injury.

• Bacterial Meningitis
  This is one meningitis that you need to be careful of. This meningitis is mostly spread during the winter months, and the culprit here is a bacteria known as Neisseria meningitidis. It is deadly and requires immediate attention and treatment.
• Viral Meningitis
  This is common, and less deadly version of the disease, that mostly plagues people during the summer months. It comes with flu-like symptoms, causing it to be wrongly diagnosed and therefore untreated. However, because you have the virus, doesn’t mean you’re surely going to contract meningitis. Viruses that cause everything from stomach flu to chickenpox can all cause meningitis, but don’t always. This is one of the mysteries of this disease.
• Fungal Meningitis
  Although rare, this meningitis is easy to contract as the omnipresent fungal particles in the air can infect anyone. People suffering from conditions such as HIV or cancer, and even diabetes in some cases, are at a higher risk of fungal meningitis.

Meningitis symptoms and why they matter
Let’s discuss the most common and obvious meningitis symptoms. It is important to remember that like most inflammation disorders, meningitis doesn’t have a list of symptoms that plague everyone who suffers from it. Some of these meningitis symptoms are more severe than you’d expect, while others may not show up at all. Some of the earliest meningitis symptoms include fever accompanied with cold hands and feet, headache, refusal or lack of desire to eat food, vomiting, muscle pain, convulsions, dislike for bright lights, and even at times a sense of confusion.

Who is at risk?
Bacterial meningitis infects anyone irrespective of their age or gender; it’s always the younger ones and infants, and those at the age of 60. The same is also applicable for viral meningitis. Travelling extensively and to countries without proper healthcare in place, can also increase one’s risk to contract meningitis

Is meningitis contagious?
Due to increase physical proximity, meningitis becomes more common in teenagers and college students. The viruses and bacteria are only spread by close, constant proximity and not casual contact. Sharing clothes and utensils, and eating together may also increase one’s risk of passing the virus or bacteria on.

Much like any other infection, meningitis can be treated if it is diagnosed early and intervention takes place in a timely and appropriate manner. If you or someone you know seems to be suffering from these meningitis symptoms, then contact a doctor immediately and ask for a specific scan for meningitis. Keeping in mind your lifestyle choices, it may become easier to pinpoint a cause, and therefore a cure.