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Meningitis: Inflammation of the Brain Shell

Inflammation of the meninges, or membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, is called meningitis. It is frequently associated with infection, primarily respiratory. In newborns, meningitis is associated with an infection in the bloodstream called sepsis.

  1. Causes and Risk Factors

    • The bacteria that causes meningitis in newborns, group B streptococci, Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes, is typically acquired in the birth canal. The bacteria that infect older infants, children and adults are Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis. Risk factors include living in a community setting, pregnancy, working with animals and a compromised immune system.

    Symptoms

    • Meningitis in children and adults causes a high fever, severe headache, vomiting or nausea, confusion, seizures, sleepiness, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, rash and disinterest in eating or drinking. In infants, meningitis symptoms are constant crying, excessive sleepiness, poor feeding, fontenal bulge and body or neck stiffness.

    Diagnosis

    • X-rays and CT scans can reveal chest, sinus or skull inflammation, but the most conclusive diagnostic tool is a spinal tap, or lumbar puncture. During the lumbar puncture, cerebrospinal fluid is collected. The fluid is then analyzed to determine what bacterium or virus is causing the infection.

    Treatment

    • For acute bacterial meningitis, intravenous antibiotics are administered and drainage of fluid build-up might be necessary. Viral meningitis does not respond to antibiotics and is typically treated with bed rest, fluids and pain medication. In the case of viral meningitis caused by the herpes virus, antiviral medication might be prescribed.

    Prevention

    • Meningitis is a contagious disease and can be spread via coughing, sneezing, kissing and sharing utensils. Avoid contact with people who are sick, wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. Immunizations can prevent the disease.

    Prognosis

    • Despite early treatment in infants, approximately 25 percent do not survive meningitis. In infants who do survive, 15 to 25 percent develop brain and nerve problems such as hydrocephalus, deafness, cerebral palsy and mental retardation. For older infants and children, 3 to 20 percent do not survive. With appropriate and early treatment, the majority of meningitis cases result in full recovery.

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