Definition
Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges (three membranes: dura mater, arachnoid and pia mater) that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The pia mater is the layer that is affected the most. Infections are most susceptible in children less than 5 years in age, young adults living in dorms or close residences and elderly individuals. Infections are the most aggressive in very young children and elderly people.
Possible Causes of Meningitis
Meningitis is generally caused by bacterial and viral infections, fungi, parasites and certain organisms. Meningitis is most commonly caused by bacterial and viral infections. Viral meningitis is more common and less severe than bacterial meningitis. It is very crucial to find the causative factor because of the severity and treatment options differ according to the pathogen. When a pathogen goes into the CNS, it leads to a number of changes that can be extremely dangerous. Infection in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) increases the penetration of the blood-brain barrier. This leads to cerebral edema and invites an influx of harmful waste products that would then be filtered out. Intracranial pressure can damage cranial nerves, obstructive hydrocephalus (which limits normal circulation of CSF of the brain and spinal cord), and swelling inside the blood vessels is high at risk for blood clots and ischemic damage to brain cells. Finally, the body’s auto regulating centers are damaged and the individual dies of diffusion from brain injury. The pathogens cause meningitis to contaminate other tissues as well. Bacterial infections of the blood can result in a distinctive reddish purple rash accompanied with meningitis, along with a risk of blood clotting in capillaries, which allows gangrene to enter into the extremities. Its approach of transmission is very similar to the common cold: an infected person sneezes or coughs and then touches a surface, for example; a doorknob or light switch, then the uninfected person touches the same surface as the infected person, and then touches his/her eye or mouth. Meningitis is brought by the intestinal enterovirus family and can also be spread by oral-fecal exchange, which is a problem when it occurs in young children or in day care facilities.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors for meningitis include:
-Skipping vaccinations
-Age: in most situations, children younger than 5 years old are at risk of contracting viral meningitis. Bacterial meningitis most commonly affects individuals under the age of 20, especially those living in community settings
-Living in a community setting: college students living in residences, personnel military bases, children in day care or boarding schools are more at risk of meningococcal meningitis
-Pregnancy: if someone is pregnant, they may be at risk of contracting listeriosis- is an infection by listeria bacteria, which can also cause meningitis. If an individual has listeriosis, the unborn baby may be at risk as well
-Comprise immune system: issues that may comprise the immune system including AIDS, alcoholism, diabetes and usage of immunosuppressant drugs may be more susceptible to meningitis. Individuals who had their spleen removed, which is an essential part of the immune system, are more prone to meningitis
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of bacterial meningitis consist of the following:
-fever
-headaches
-neck stiffness
Symptoms of an acute meningitis infection include:
-rapid onset of high fever and chills
-rash that is a deep red or purple colour
-intense headaches
-irritability
-aversion to bright light
-stiff neck
Symptoms involved in severe infections include:
-confusion
-nausea
-vomiting
-drowsiness
-slurred speech
-delirium
-convulsions
Symptoms involved in infants include:
-bulging fontanelle (soft spots on the bones of the skull where they have not yet fused)
-paradoxical irritability (remaining quiet when stationary and crying when held)
-high pitched cry
-hypotonia (low muscle tone)
Reproduction between exposure to the organism causing the disease and the development of symptoms can range from several hours for bacterial infections and to 3 weeks for viral infections. Symptoms usually peak and then reduce over a period of about 2 to 3 weeks.
Treatment
-The most common form of bacterial meningitis can be prevented with the Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine. Vaccinations for viral types can be obtained, however, it is recommended only for people traveling to certain locations where the infections are endemic
-Viral Meningitis usually requires the relief of symptoms. Supportive therapy may involve bed rest, increase intake of fluid to avoid dehydration, and analgesics to decrease the fever and alleviates body aches
-Patients who are severely ill are treated right away with a combination of antibiotics. Penicillin mixed with cephalosporin is the most commonly used. Possible side effects may include abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea and diarrhea
Medications
-Herpesvirus causes meningitis and can be treated using antiviral medication such as acyclovir (Zovirax) and ribavirin (Virazole). Side effects include nausea, vomiting and headaches
-Bacterial Meningitis requires quick intravenous antibiotic treatment in the hospital to prevent any severe complications and neurological damage. If symptoms are critical, intravenous treatment may be begin before the lumbar puncture is performed
-Steroidal anti-inflammatories are required to help control inflammation. Some side effects of long- term use include reduced healing, comprise the immune system, increased risk of infection, epidermal atrophy (thinning of the skin), etc.
-Antiseizure medications if necessary
Massage Therapy
Risks: Meningitis is inflammatory, potentially contagious and can cause serious damage. Massage is contraindicated when meningitis is at an acute stage.
Benefits: Clients who have fully recovered from meningitis can enjoy the equal benefits of massage as the rest of the community.
Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges (three membranes: dura mater, arachnoid and pia mater) that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The pia mater is the layer that is affected the most. Infections are most susceptible in children less than 5 years in age, young adults living in dorms or close residences and elderly individuals. Infections are the most aggressive in very young children and elderly people.
Possible Causes of Meningitis
Meningitis is generally caused by bacterial and viral infections, fungi, parasites and certain organisms. Meningitis is most commonly caused by bacterial and viral infections. Viral meningitis is more common and less severe than bacterial meningitis. It is very crucial to find the causative factor because of the severity and treatment options differ according to the pathogen. When a pathogen goes into the CNS, it leads to a number of changes that can be extremely dangerous. Infection in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) increases the penetration of the blood-brain barrier. This leads to cerebral edema and invites an influx of harmful waste products that would then be filtered out. Intracranial pressure can damage cranial nerves, obstructive hydrocephalus (which limits normal circulation of CSF of the brain and spinal cord), and swelling inside the blood vessels is high at risk for blood clots and ischemic damage to brain cells. Finally, the body’s auto regulating centers are damaged and the individual dies of diffusion from brain injury. The pathogens cause meningitis to contaminate other tissues as well. Bacterial infections of the blood can result in a distinctive reddish purple rash accompanied with meningitis, along with a risk of blood clotting in capillaries, which allows gangrene to enter into the extremities. Its approach of transmission is very similar to the common cold: an infected person sneezes or coughs and then touches a surface, for example; a doorknob or light switch, then the uninfected person touches the same surface as the infected person, and then touches his/her eye or mouth. Meningitis is brought by the intestinal enterovirus family and can also be spread by oral-fecal exchange, which is a problem when it occurs in young children or in day care facilities.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors for meningitis include:
-Skipping vaccinations
-Age: in most situations, children younger than 5 years old are at risk of contracting viral meningitis. Bacterial meningitis most commonly affects individuals under the age of 20, especially those living in community settings
-Living in a community setting: college students living in residences, personnel military bases, children in day care or boarding schools are more at risk of meningococcal meningitis
-Pregnancy: if someone is pregnant, they may be at risk of contracting listeriosis- is an infection by listeria bacteria, which can also cause meningitis. If an individual has listeriosis, the unborn baby may be at risk as well
-Comprise immune system: issues that may comprise the immune system including AIDS, alcoholism, diabetes and usage of immunosuppressant drugs may be more susceptible to meningitis. Individuals who had their spleen removed, which is an essential part of the immune system, are more prone to meningitis
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of bacterial meningitis consist of the following:
-fever
-headaches
-neck stiffness
Symptoms of an acute meningitis infection include:
-rapid onset of high fever and chills
-rash that is a deep red or purple colour
-intense headaches
-irritability
-aversion to bright light
-stiff neck
Symptoms involved in severe infections include:
-confusion
-nausea
-vomiting
-drowsiness
-slurred speech
-delirium
-convulsions
Symptoms involved in infants include:
-bulging fontanelle (soft spots on the bones of the skull where they have not yet fused)
-paradoxical irritability (remaining quiet when stationary and crying when held)
-high pitched cry
-hypotonia (low muscle tone)
Reproduction between exposure to the organism causing the disease and the development of symptoms can range from several hours for bacterial infections and to 3 weeks for viral infections. Symptoms usually peak and then reduce over a period of about 2 to 3 weeks.
Treatment
-The most common form of bacterial meningitis can be prevented with the Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine. Vaccinations for viral types can be obtained, however, it is recommended only for people traveling to certain locations where the infections are endemic
-Viral Meningitis usually requires the relief of symptoms. Supportive therapy may involve bed rest, increase intake of fluid to avoid dehydration, and analgesics to decrease the fever and alleviates body aches
-Patients who are severely ill are treated right away with a combination of antibiotics. Penicillin mixed with cephalosporin is the most commonly used. Possible side effects may include abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea and diarrhea
Medications
-Herpesvirus causes meningitis and can be treated using antiviral medication such as acyclovir (Zovirax) and ribavirin (Virazole). Side effects include nausea, vomiting and headaches
-Bacterial Meningitis requires quick intravenous antibiotic treatment in the hospital to prevent any severe complications and neurological damage. If symptoms are critical, intravenous treatment may be begin before the lumbar puncture is performed
-Steroidal anti-inflammatories are required to help control inflammation. Some side effects of long- term use include reduced healing, comprise the immune system, increased risk of infection, epidermal atrophy (thinning of the skin), etc.
-Antiseizure medications if necessary
Massage Therapy
Risks: Meningitis is inflammatory, potentially contagious and can cause serious damage. Massage is contraindicated when meningitis is at an acute stage.
Benefits: Clients who have fully recovered from meningitis can enjoy the equal benefits of massage as the rest of the community.
