Common Cause of Meningitis

Meningitis is a viral or bacteria infection that causes the layer of tissue around the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges, to swell. It is serious and potentially life threatening. If it is not treated, it can lead to brain swelling and possibly death. This article will address some of the different types and causes of meningitis.

Types of Meningitis

• There are two main types of meningitis--viral and bacterial. Bacterial is the most severe form while the viral form is more common and less severe. There is also a form of chronic meningitis and fungal meningitis.

Causes of Bacterial Meningitis

• Bacterial meningitis occurs when bacteria enter the body and either migrate to the brain and spinal cord or directly attack the meninges. There are several different strains that can be contracted from various infections of the body. Ear infections, sinus infections and upper respiratory infections are the most common infections associated with meningitis. When meningitis is diagnosed along with one of those infections, it is unclear which came first, the infection or the meningitis. Listeria is another form of bacteria that is common in many foods, soil and dust that can cause meningitis. Most healthy adults do not contract meningitis when exposed to listeria. However, listeria is more dangerous around older adults, children and pregnant women.

Causes of Viral Meningitis

• Viral meningitis is contracted like a common virus. According to the Mayo Clinic, enteroviruses are responsible for about 90 percent of viral meningitis in the United States. Common symptoms include, fever, vomiting, rash, sore throat and headaches. Other viruses associated with meningitis are mumps, herpes and West Nile Virus.

Treatments and Care

• According to emedicinehealth.com, bacterial meningitis affects 3,000 to 5,000 Americans per year, and almost one-fourth of the cases result in death, even with proper treatment. It can progress as rapidly as 24 hours. Viral meningitis is a lot less severe, and the symptoms can be treated, with a full recovery within a few weeks. Since antibiotics are not useful against viral infections, they are not useful for viral meningitis. All forms of meningitis are severe and should be treated immediately. Symptoms can occur within one to seven days. Hospitalization may be needed for the most severe cases, but home care is sufficient for mild cases.

Prevention/Solution

• Vaccines are available for some forms of meningitis. You can also take preventative antibiotics if you have come in contact with someone who has been infected. However, if symptoms occur such as, fever, headache, sensitivity to light or vomiting after taking preventative antibiotics, you should still seek medical attention immediately.