Meningitis is an infection of the membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can be caused by a bacterial, fungal or viral infection. Meningitis can be acute, with a quick onset of symptoms, it can be chronic, lasting a month or more, or it can be mild or aseptic. Anyone experiencing symptoms of meningitis should see a doctor immediately.
What is bacterial meningitis ?
Acute bacterial meningitis is the most common form of meningitis. Approximately 80 percent of all cases are acute bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis can be life threatening. The infection can cause the tissues around the brain to swell. This in turn interferes with blood flow and can result in paralysis or even stroke.
What is bacterial meningitis vs. viral meningitis ?
Meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the three thin layers of tissue, known as meninges, that cover the brain and spinal cord. The two most common types of meningitis are bacterial and viral, and although they have similar symptoms (viral meningitis symptoms may be milder), the two diseases are quite different and require different treatment.
When caused by a virus, meningitis is usually far less severe and is typically treated with bed rest or over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol. But because some other viruses are very serious and can invade the brain, it's important to seek medical attention as a precaution.
Bacterial meningitis is generally much more severe than simple viral meningitis because it can cause serious complications. If not treated immediately, it can be fatal or cause permanent damage to the brain, so it's important to get medical attention as soon as symptoms are discovered.
What causes bacterial meningitis ?
The bacteria most often responsible for bacterial meningitis are common in the environment and can also be found in your nose and respiratory system without causing any harm.
Sometimes meningitis occurs for no known reason. Other times it occurs after a head injury or after you have had an infection and your immune system is weakened.
By Marvin Harper, MD
