meningitis - postmaster

8/3/2019 Meningitis - Postmaster

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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

meningitis - postmaster

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