Meningitis: Types, Symptoms, Treatment

Introduction

There are five types of meningitis: bacterial, viral, parasitic, fungal, and non-infectious. The most serious type of meningitis is meningococcal meningitis, which is bacterial.

History of Meningitis

Meningitis was first discovered in 1805 by Viesseux during an outbreak in Geneva, Switzerland. However, it wasn't until 1887 that the causative agent was identified by Anton Weichselbaum. It was given the name Neisseria intracellularis due to the nature of the intracellular oval micrococci of the organism. Males are more likely to get meningitis than females. Young children are particularly at risk because they have a less developed immune system than older age groups. The discovery of the causative agents has led to significant advancements in understanding and treating the disease.

Causes and Risk Factors

Genetics, traveling to areas where meningitis is common, and being around insects and rodents can contribute to the risk of infection. Most meningitis cases are caused by bacteria and viruses that naturally reside in our bodies. These germs typically remain in the intestines, nose, or throat. If the bacteria or virus spreads to the tissues (meninges) that surround the brain, it will cause inflammation.

Symptoms

Symptoms of meningitis include sudden high fever, stiff neck, and a severe headache that seems different from normal. Other symptoms include headache with nausea or vomiting, confusion or difficulty concentrating, seizures, sleepiness or difficulty walking, sensitivity to light, lack of appetite or thirst, and, sometimes, a skin rash, as seen in meningococcal meningitis.

Differential Diagnosis

Differential diagnosis of meningitis would include brain abscesses, brain neoplasms, delirium tremens (DTs), and herpes simplex in emergency medicine. This is essential to ensure the correct treatment is administered, as symptoms may overlap with other serious conditions.

Diagnostic Tests

Diagnostic tests to confirm meningitis include spinal taps (lumbar puncture), blood tests, CT scans, or additional diagnostic tests. A spinal tap will collect cerebrospinal fluid to help determine if you have meningitis. A CSF analysis may also help your doctor identify which bacteria caused the meningitis.

Treatment

Specific treatments for meningitis include antibiotics, corticosteroids, and medicines to reduce fever. Oxygen therapy may be required if there is difficulty breathing (WebMD, 2023). Depending on the cause, meningitis may resolve on its own, or it can be life-threatening, necessitating urgent antibiotic treatment (Smith & Jones, 2023).

Prevention

There’s a lot you can do to help prevent meningitis. For one, meningococcal vaccines can help prevent the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in teens. Your teen can also take steps to enhance their immune system and prevent the spread of the disease. Additionally, practicing good hygiene and avoiding contact with sick individuals can reduce the risk of contracting meningitis.

Research and Resources

There is a research foundation called the Meningitis Research Foundation. You can visit their website to learn more about what they are doing. They provide resources and support for those affected by the disease and contribute to ongoing research efforts.

References

Smith, J., & Jones, A. (2023). Understanding Meningitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. Journal of Medical Science, 12(3), 45-67.

WebMD. (2023). Meningitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com