Many of us fear having problems in the brain. This organ controls our thoughts, action, and speech. From our memory to the movement of our arms and legs, it is liable. Think of what might happen to someone who has an illness related to this organ? A meningitis symptom is the swelling of the meninges. Hence, these tissue covers protect the brain and spinal cord. So, it protects the brain from trauma.
Three layers make up this tissue. If this tissue’s fluid becomes infected, meningitis occurs. However, it can become dangerous if its speed is going inside the body. In worst cases, it may cause death within a day. But for people who receive early treatment, the chances of death are low. Therefore, less than 2% of people treated die from this disease.
Common Signs
1. Fever
This sign is common to people with infection. Also, fever occurs when the body tries to fight the germs present. However, harmful germs cannot live in high temperatures. Fever may also entail sweat or chills.
2. Stiff neck
Meningitis may cause the neck to feel pain or be stiff. Hence, this symptom happens when the tissues swell. So, they also feel pain. As the spine becomes affected, the neck movement will lessen. Also, bending and moving the neck may cause pain.
3. Headache
Headache and the first two symptoms are the common symptoms of the disease. Likewise, the swelling that happens near the brain and spinal cord bring pain in the head.
4. Sleepiness
Moreover, a person with this infection may find it hard to stay awake. Therefore, he or she might be too sleepy.
5. Light Sensitivity
Upon looking at the light, babies and children may cry. They may try to turn away from it. Additionally, focusing could also be a struggle at this point.
6. Nausea and Vomiting
Severe headache, stomach upset, and vomiting are meningitis symptoms.
Infants with viral meningitis may also show symptoms like:
7. Lack of Energy and Lof desire to eat
The infected person may not feel like eating or doing other tasks because of the symptoms. Therefore, it may be hard to feed babies at this point.
Adding to the symptoms above, adults with viral meningitis suffer from:
8. Shaking and Loss of Control
If the brain swells and feels pressure, it can cause an attack. If this symptom happens, find immediate medical help. Also, epilepsy may develop after having seizures.
Someone with bacterial meningitis may also have:
9. Altered Mental Status
Infection near the brain may result in a problem in thinking.
10. Rash
Rashes may turn the purple or bruise-like area in the skin. Moreover, it may look like flea bites.
If fungi cause the condition, add this in the signs to look for:
11. Confusion
If you or someone has these symptoms, do not hesitate. Go to a doctor or seek immediate help. In some cases, the person carrying it might not show symptoms. Therefore, it increases the chance of passing it onto other people.
Most of these signs also occur in other illnesses. That’s why it’s better to have a checkup.
Common causes of this disease are:
12. Infection
The virus that affects the meninges may also cause mumps and herpes. Viral meningitis is rarely serious. However, it can be worse for babies less than three months old and has a virus such as herpes simplex. In some cases, this cause is spreadable. People with the virus may get well within 1-2 weeks without a cure.
The bacterial infection is passed on by contact. Hence, if bacteria cause swelling, the infection is more serious and fatal. It occurs around the world. Children under two years old are at greater risk of having this disease. The immune system of babies under two years old is still not well developed. The germs may be present in the mouth or throat. Yet, the infection only happens when it gets into the bloodstream. Also, people with bacterial meningitis might have hearing loss and learning disabilities.
If an infected person sneezes or coughs, people near him might get the germs. Furthermore, kissing or sharing things used for the mouth may pass it on. So, do not share things like used spoons and forks.
13. Cancer
Cancer cells may spread from the original tumor to the meninges. Examples of the types of cancer are:
- Breast
- Lung
- Melanoma (skin cancer)
- Gastrointestinal cancer
In this condition, the tissue protecting the brain swells.
14. Reaction to Chemical
In this case, the swelling of meninges happens after surgery. Also, it happens after an invasive procedure on the brain or spinal cord. However, chemical meningitis is a rare cause compared to other causes.
15. Fungi
Fungal meningitis is also rare. However, it happens when the immune system is weak. Also, people with diabetes, HIV, and older adults have a greater risk of this illness.
16. Parasites
Parasites in dirt, feces, and animals may cause this disease. Hence, this type is not transferred from one person to another. Instead, it goes with the unclean food or water you might have eaten or drank.
17. Drug Allergies
Reaction to drugs may cause this disease. Such drugs are antibiotics and anesthesia.
Stay healthy and practice good hygiene to decrease the chance of having this disease. Likewise, there are vaccines available to prevent bacterial meningitis.
If not treated, it could lead to severe problems like:
- Loss of hearing
- Memory loss
- Brain damage
- Kidney problem
- Shock
- Death
Please do not leave it untreated. It will stress you and your family. Acting fast can save your life.
