What is Meningitis? How Do You Treat it?

What is Meningitis? How Do You Treat it?

Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges. The meninges are the three membranes namely the pia mater, dura mater and arachnoid mater that covers and protects the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis mostly occurs when the fluid surrounding the meninges becomes heavily infected. The most common causes of meningitis are viral and bacterial infections but there can also be other causes which include:

● cancer

● chemical irritation

● fungi

● drug allergies

● Some viral and bacterial meningitis are contagious. They can be disseminated by coughing, sneezing or by coming in close contact.

Types of meningitis Viral and bacterial infections are the most common causative agent that promotes meningitis. There are several other forms of meningitis as well. Examples include cryptococcal meningitis which is caused by a fungal infection. Another example is that of carcinomatous, which is cancer-related. Though these types of meningitis are less common. Refer to Travel Vaccinations Epsom for more information on the meningitis vaccination. Is there a vaccine for meningitis? Yes, there are meningococcal meningitis Vaccine and Meningococcal Vaccines for several types of meningitis. Meningococcal meningitis is caused by Neisseria meningitis. It is one version for which vaccines are readily available. While viral meningitis is more common it is bacterial meningitis that possesses more threat and is considered pretty dangerous if it’s not diagnosed and treated quickly. How is meningitis treated? The course of Meningitis treatment is determined by the actual cause behind meningitis. For instance, bacterial meningitis requires immediate hospitalization. Early diagnosis is very crucial in case of bacterial meningitis and the proper treatment will prevent brain damage and death. Bacterial meningitis is treated with intravenous antibiotics and there is no specific antibiotic for bacterial meningitis. It depends on the type of bacteria involved. Fungal meningitis on the other hand is treated with antifungal drugs. Parasitic meningitis may involve either treating just the symptoms or attempting to treat the infection directly.