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Meningitis is an inflammation of the delicate,protective membranes (meninges) covering the
brain and spinal cord. Therefore the condition isclassified as a medical emergency and can belife-threatening.
The severity of illness and the treatment formeningitis differs depending on the cause of the
inflammation, age, the extent of the infection,and the presence of other medical conditions orcomplications of meningitis.
Meningitis occurs in people of all age groups,but infants, young children and the elderly aremore predisposed to meningitis.
Meningitis typically results from contagiousinfections. Common bacteria or viruses that cancause meningitis can spread through (coughing,sneezing, kissing, sharing eating utensils, atoothbrush or a cigarette).
WHAT IS MENINGITIS?
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Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis, and it can becaused by many different viruses(e.g. enteroviruses, herpes simplexvirus).
Generally (but not always) less serious and often clears on its ownwithin two weeks without serious complications or permanent braindamage after the infection resolves.
Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is contagious, extremely serious illness thatrequires immediate medical care. If not treated urgently with antibiotics ,it can lead to death within hours or lead to permanent damage to thebrain and other parts of the body.
Bacterial meningitis is most commonly caused by one of three types of
bacteria: Neisseria meningitidis or "meningococcus"
Streptococcuspneumoniae or "pneumococcus"
Haemophilus influenzae (type b)
N. meningitidis and S. pneumoniae together cause 80% of all cases ofbacterial meningitis,
INFECTIOUS MENINGITIS
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Uncommon Causes of Meningitis:
Meningitis due to TB infection (more common in those from
countries where tuberculosis is common, but is also
encountered in those with immune problems, such as
AIDS).
Fungal meningitis is rare form and generally occurs in
people with weakened immune systems. It can be lifethreatening.
Non-infectious Meningitis e.g. Spread of cancer to the meninges (malignant meningitis)
Certain Drugs (mainly NSAIDS, some antibiotics).
Connective tissue disorders such as Systemic lupus
Erythematous(SLE)
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A) Through Bloodstream:
The bacteria are spread by direct close contact with thedischarges from the nose or throat of an infected person
(through coughing, sneezing, kissing, sharing eating
utensils, a toothbrush or a cigarette). Then the bacteria
get into the bloodstream from the sinuses, ears, or other
part of the upper respiratory tract. The bacteria then
travel through the bloodstream to the brain and spinalcord .
B) Direct invasion of the meninges e.g.
Infection in the head and neck area Recipients of cochlear implants for hearing loss
Skull Fracture
Cerebral Shunt
METHODS OF SPREAD OF INFECTION
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MENINGITIS SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS MAY DEVELOP AND COMPLICATE
OVER SEVERAL AND MAY INCLUDE:
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Neurological complications:
Seizures, Cerebral Edema, Brain damage, Paralysis
Hearing loss, Blindness, Memory difficulty
Loss of speech, Learning disabilities, Behavior problems
Other complications:
Petechial rash progressed to gangrene of limbs.
Kidney failure
Adrenal gland failure
Hemolytic Anaemia
Septicemia
Shock
Death
COMPLICATIONSTHE COMPLICATIONS OF MENINGITIS CAN BE SEVERE. THE LONGER YOU OR YOUR CHILD
HAS THE DISEASE WITHOUT TREATMENT, THE GREATER THE COMPLICATIONS
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1.History (from patient or relatives)
2.Physical examination
3.Investigations:
lumbar puncture ("spinal tap"), in which spinal
fluid (known as cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF) iscollected for testing(cell count, glucose, protein,gram stain, other special stains, and culture).
Other Investigations like:
Chest x-ray, CT scan of the head
Blood cultures, Blood glucose,Full bloodcount, renal function tests
Coagulation profile
Culture urine, nasal swabs and stool(virology).
Other more specific investigations
DIAGNOSIS OF MENINGITIS
TREATMENT OF MENINGITIS
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Treatment for meningitis depends on the organism causingthe infection, your age, the extent of the infection, and thepresence of other medical conditions or complications ofmeningitis.
Appropriate antibiotic (if Bacterial Meningitis) therapy
Vigorous supportive care is given to treat meningitis:
Absolute bet rest is recommended for meningitis patients.
Reduce headache and fever by administering analgesics andAntipyretics.
Fluid therapy is given to prevent dehydration and also helps toadminister antibiotics for meningitis treatment.
Anti convulsions Measures.
Monitoring blood chemicals.
TREATMENT OF MENINGITIS
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Avoiding close contact with someone who is ill
Careful and frequent hand washing, (especially before eating
and after using the toilet, spending time in a crowded publicplace) is essential to avoiding exposure to infectious agents.
Maintaining the immune system by getting enough rest,
exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet with plenty of
fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
When coughing or sneezing, be sure to cover your mouth and
nose.
Vaccination against Meningitis (best prevention) Effective vaccines are available to prevent some types of
meningitis.
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine.
Pneumococcal vaccine .
Meningococcal conjugate vaccine
PREVENTION OF MENINGITIS
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Please keep in mind that
although there are many rumours
circulating, there is in fact noEPIDEMIC of meningitis in
Kuwait.
KOC and Ahmadi hospital areworking closely with the ministry
of Health to ensure that our
employees and their families are
the first to know if there is any
change in this situation
Follow these guidelines, and
dont panic, your health is in
good hands
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Scientific Sources:
University of Maryland Medical Center.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC)
Mayo Clinic
WHO
About.com. Pediatric
With ComplimentsHEALTH PROMOTION UNIT
AHMADI HOSPITAL
- Zainul Hussain