| Infections in the brain and spinal cord can cause | | | | Decreased activity |
| dangerous inflammation. This inflammation can | | | | Difficulty nursing or eating |
| produce a wide range of symptoms, including fever, | | | | Excessive sleeping |
| headache, or confusion and, in extreme cases, can | | | | High-pitched cry |
| cause brain damage, stroke, seizures, or even death. | | | | Increased crying and irritability |
| Infection of the meninges, the membranes that | | | | Vomiting |
| surround the brain and spinal cord, is called meningitis | | | | Causes |
| and inflammation of the brain itself is called | | | | Bacterial meningitis is most commonly caused by one |
| encephalitis. Myelitis is an infection of the spinal cord. | | | | of three types of bacteria: Haemophilus influenzae |
| When both the brain and the spinal cord become | | | | type b (Hib), Neisseria meningitidis, and Streptococcus |
| inflamed, the condition is called encephalomyelitis. | | | | pneumoniae. |
| Signs and Symptoms | | | | Hib was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis, but |
| Symptoms of bacterial meningitis are usually acute, | | | | new vaccines being given to children as part of their |
| developing within a few hours and last 2 to 3 weeks. | | | | routine immunizations have reduced the occurrence |
| It is important to seek immediate medical attention | | | | of serious Hib disease. Today, Neisseria meningitidis |
| when symptoms occur, because acute bacterial | | | | and Streptococcus pneumoniae are the leading |
| meningitis can be fatal within hours. | | | | causes of bacterial meningitis. Meningitis caused by |
| Viral meningitis may develop suddenly or within days | | | | Neisseria meningitidis is also called MENINGOCOCCAL |
| or weeks, depending on the virus and the overall | | | | MENINGITIS. Meningitis caused by Streptococcus |
| health of the patient. | | | | pneumoniae is called PNEUMOCOCCAL MENINGITIS. |
| Characteristic symptoms of both viral and bacterial | | | | It is important to know which type of bacteria is |
| meningitis are stiff neck, headache, and fever. | | | | causing the bacterial meningitis because antibiotics can |
| Symptoms may develop over the course a few | | | | prevent some types from spreading and infecting |
| hours (acute bacterial meningitis) or a few days. | | | | other people. |
| Some patients experience cough, runny nose, and | | | | Treatment |
| congestion prior to developing other symptoms. | | | | The diagnosis is confirmed using blood tests and a |
| Other signs and symptoms of meningitis include the | | | | test called a lumbar puncture. A fine needle is |
| following: | | | | inserted, under local anaesthetic, into the person's |
| Confusion | | | | spine to draw out fluid that can then be examined in |
| Drowsiness | | | | a laboratory for infectious organisms. |
| Joint pain | | | | Treatment depends on the cause of the meningitis, |
| Lethargy | | | | but in most cases intravenous antibiotics will be |
| Nausea and vomiting | | | | started immediately and continued if tests confirm |
| Seizures | | | | the bacterial form. |
| Sensitivity to light (photophobia) | | | | If other causes are diagnosed they will be treated |
| Skin rash (commonly near the armpits and | | | | accordingly. Different medicines may be needed to |
| on the hands and feet) | | | | control symptoms such as seizures. |
| Symptoms of meningitis in infants may be difficult to | | | | Delays in treatment increase the risk of long-term |
| detect and include the following: | | | | damage. If you suspect meningitis, get urgent medical |
| Bulging of the soft spots (fontanels) in the | | | | advice. |
| head caused by increased intracranial pressure | | | | |