Meningitis is an infection of the membranes (meninges) that protect the spinal cord and brain . When the membranes become infected, they swell and press on the spinal cord or brain. This can cause life-threatening problems. Meningitis symptoms strike suddenly and worsen quickly.
Does meningitis have lasting effects?
Severe meningitis can result in prolonged effects after the acute inflammation or infection has resolved . Signs that the condition will cause long-term effects can begin during the acute phase. Persistent effects of meningitis can include: Fatigue.
Does meningitis stay in your body forever?
Viral meningitis can make you very sick, but it often doesn't leave lingering effects . Bacterial meningitis is more serious. It progresses rapidly and can cause permanent damage or even become life-threatening. Quick diagnosis and treatment can help prevent some of the potential long-term side effects.
Can you fully recover from meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis is serious. Some people with the infection die and death can occur in as little as a few hours. However, most people recover from bacterial meningitis . Those who do recover can have permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, hearing loss, and learning disabilities.
How long does it take to fully recover from meningitis?
Recovery. If you are diagnosed with viral meningitis, you will usually find that symptoms improve within a few days and most recover fully after one to four weeks .
Where is a meningitis headache located?
The headache is generalized all over the head . Drowsiness and confusion may be present in the more severe cases. Seizures are rare in meningitis, but common in encephalitis which is an infection of the brain tissue. The onset of the headache and fever usually occurs quite rapidly.
What are the 3 types of meningitis?
The three types of meningitis are viral meningitis, fungal meningitis, and bacterial meningitis . The meninges are membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis occurs when these membranes become inflamed, potentially causing serious complications for the nervous system.
What are the 3 most common causes of bacterial meningitis?
- Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). ...
- Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus). ...
- Haemophilus influenzae (haemophilus). ...
- Listeria monocytogenes (listeria).
Can you get meningitis twice?
It is very unusual for anyone to have meningitis more than once, but it is possible . Most people some develop immunity to the organism that has caused their disease. However, there are several different causes of meningitis and therefore it is possible, but rare, to have the disease more than once.
What kind of brain damage does meningitis cause?
The disease can also occur when certain bacteria invade the meninges directly. Bacterial meningitis can cause stroke, hearing loss, and permanent brain damage .
Can meningitis change your personality?
Going through this disease is traumatic and everyone will respond differently. It is common for people to experience a range of feelings, like anger, depression, isolation, anxiety, low self-esteem, aggression, mood swings and a difficulty in expressing emotions.
Who is generally at highest risk for meningitis Why?
Age – In general, young children are at the highest risk of getting bacterial meningitis and septicaemia but other age groups can also be vulnerable to specific types. Geography and environment – Some countries have higher rates of meningitis and septicaemia.
What happens if bacterial meningitis goes untreated?
If left untreated, the infection can cause brain damage or even death . Antibiotics can usually eliminate the bacteria. Still, about 10 to 15 percent of cases result in death even when antibiotics are used. Among people who recover, 11 to 19 percent will experience long-term complications.
Can a blood test detect meningitis?
Meningitis blood tests
A complete blood count (CBC) or total protein count check for heightened levels of certain cells and proteins that can suggest a meningitis infection . A procalcitonin blood test can also help your doctor tell if an infection is more likely caused by either bacteria or a virus.
What is removed from the body to check for meningitis?
The most reliable way to diagnose meningitis is with a lumbar puncture . During a lumbar puncture, a doctor inserts a long, thin needle in between two vertebrae in the lower back. This allows them to withdraw some cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) , which is the fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord.
What are the main causes of meningitis?
Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. A bacterial or viral infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord usually causes the swelling. However, injuries, cancer, certain drugs, and other types of infections also can cause meningitis.
Can the brain repair itself after meningitis?
Brain-related after effects caused by meningitis and septicaemia are not always permanent. In some patients the damage is repaired over time or neighbouring areas of the brain take over from the damaged areas . When this happens, the person may regain some, or all, of the function that was lost.
Does meningitis go away?
Most people who get mild viral meningitis usually recover completely in 7 to 10 days without treatment . Antiviral medicine may help people with meningitis caused by viruses such as herpesvirus and influenza.
When should you suspect meningitis?
Common Signs and Symptoms of Meningitis
Fever, severe headache, and neck stiffness are the hallmark symptoms of meningitis. Others include: Nausea and vomiting. Confusion and disorientation (acting “goofy”)
What are the stages of meningitis?
- Stage 1 – No change in mental function, with no deficits and no hydrocephalus.
- Stage 2 – Confusion and evidence of neurologic deficit.
- Stage 3 – Stupor and lethargy.
Can you have meningitis without fever?
Symptoms of Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis usually begins with symptoms of a viral infection, such as fever, a general feeling of illness (malaise), cough, muscle aches, vomiting, loss of appetite, and headache. However, occasionally, people have no symptoms at first .
What kills bacterial meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis requires immediate hospitalization. Early diagnosis and treatment will prevent brain damage and death. Bacterial meningitis is treated with intravenous antibiotics and steroids . There's no specific antibiotic for bacterial meningitis.
What does a meningitis headache feel like?
Headache. A headache caused by meningitis is typically described as severe and unrelenting . It does not subside by taking an aspirin. Stiff neck.
How do you know if you've got meningitis?
Meningitis and septicaemia can kill in hours – know the symptoms. The first symptoms are usually fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell . Limb pain, pale skin, and cold hands and feet often appear earlier than the rash, neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights and confusion.
