Meningitis

Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes (meninges) covering the brain and the spinal cord. Although the most common causes are infection (bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic), chemical agents and even tumor cells may cause meningitis. Encephalitis and brain abscess can complicate infective meningitis.

Features

The classical symptoms of meningitis are headache, neck stiffness and photophobia (the trio are called "meningism"). Fever and chills are often present, along with myalgia. An altered state of consciousness or other neurological deficits may be present depending on the severity of the disease. In meningococcal meningitis or septicaemia, a petechial rash may appear. A lumbar puncture to obtain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is usually indicated to determine the cause and direct appropriate treatment.

Related Topics:
Headache - Neck stiffness - Photophobia - Myalgia - Altered state of consciousness - Petechial rash - Lumbar puncture - Cerebrospinal fluid

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Convulsions are a known complication of meningitis and are treated with appropriate anti-seizure drugs such as phenytoin.

Related Topics:
Convulsion - Phenytoin

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~