Your Disease Guide
Patient's Complete Guide to Meningitis
Overview of Meningitis
Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. A viral or bacterial infection in the fluid around the brain and spinal cord usually causes this inflammation.
Signs and Symptoms of Meningitis
Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. A viral or bacterial infection in the fluid around the brain and spinal cord usually causes this inflammation. Head injuries, some types of cancer, and drugs can also cause the inflammation of the protective membranes.
The treatment of meningitis depends upon the exact type of meningitis.
Types of Meningitis
The symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and consist of:
- High fever
- Headaches
- A rash ( this may or may not appear)
- Stiffness in neck
- Light sensitivity
- Unresponsiveness o dizziness
- Seizures
- Headache with nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Lessor no appetite or thirst
Like adults, this disorder can also develop in newborn babies. Look out for these symptoms in a newborn child:
- High fever
- Increased fussiness
- Highly irritable
- Prolonged sleeping
- Inactive and sluggish
- Poor eating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- You might also notice a bulge in the soft spot on your baby’s head
Transmission of Meningitis
Meningitis, either viral or bacterial can spread through:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Sharing utensils, cutlery, and toothbrushes
- Close contact
Are there any vaccinations available for meningitis?
Vaccination for meningitis can provide some extent of protection against it. These vaccinations can include:
- Meningitis B Vaccine
- 6-in-1 vaccine
- Pneumococcal vaccine
- Hib/MenC vaccine
- MMR vaccine
- Meningitis ACWY vaccine
Risk Factors of Meningitis
Thee are the following types of meningitis:
-
Bacterial Meningitis
This type of meningitis is caused by bacteria and requires immediate medical attention. It can be fatal if timely treatment is not provided. There are now vaccines available that help provide protection against this type.
-
Viral Meningitis
This type of meningitis is less severe than bacterial meningitis. People having a strong immune system can get better on their own without consulting their doctor. Also, there are vaccines available that can provide you protection against some kinds of viral meningitis.
-
Fungal Meningitis
Fungal meningitis is a rare type of meningitis and usually affects people with some underlying medical condition like diabetes, HIV, or cancer. People usually acquire this type of meningitis by inhaling fungal spores present in the environment.
-
Parasitic Meningitis
This type of meningitis is relatively rare than both viral and bacterial meningitis and can affect the brain and nervous system.
-
Amebic Meningitis
Primary Amebic Meningitis (PAM) is rare meningitis and is caused by Naegleria Fowleri. It causes much damage to the brain.
-
Non- Infectious Meningitis
Sometimes, injuries, certain types of cancers, and drugs and brain surgery can cause meningitis.
Prevention
Possible risk factors for meningitis can include:
- Incomplete Vaccination course
- Age- children under 5 years of age are more prone to viral meningitis whereas
- Bacterial meningitis is common in individuals under the age of 20 year
- Living in group settings
- Pregnancy
- A weak immune system
Complications of Meningitis
Some possible complications of meningitis are:
- Compromised memory
- Hearing loss
- Brain damage
- Seizure/ shock
- Kidney failure
- Learning issues
- Imbalance
Treatment of Meningitis | When to Consult a Doctor
Consult your doctor immediately if you exhibit the above-mentioned symptoms. Your doctor will generally diagnose this by first asking about medical history and performing a physical examination. he/she would also check for any neck stiffness and rash.
After the initial examination, you'd would also ask you for the following:
- Blood tests to identify any bacteria
- CT or MRI scans of your head to find any inflammation or swelling
- Spinal tap- this is a procedure in which a sample is taken from the fluid around your spinal cord. This test tells the cause of meningitis.
Healthcare Providers
Consult with Best Doctors for Meningitis
Prof. Dr. Humayun Iqbal Khan
- 5 Years Experience
- PKR
- Book Appointment
Dr. M. Asif Siddiqui
- 5 Years Experience
- PKR
- Book Appointment
Dr. Asad Munir
- 5 Years Experience
- PKR 300
- Book Appointment
Dr. Muhammad Asif Siddiqui
- 11 Years Experience
- PKR 1000
- Book Appointment
Prof Dr. Tayyaba Khawar Butt
- 32 Years Experience
- PKR
- Book Appointment
Dr. Ambrin Aslam
- 31 Years Experience
- PKR
- Book Appointment
Assist. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Usaid Qureshi
- 18 Years Experience
- PKR
- Book Appointment
Dr. Abid Qazi
- 31 Years Experience
- PKR
- Book Appointment
Dr. Shahid Aslam
- 32 Years Experience
- PKR 2500
- Book Appointment
Dr. Tariq Rafiq Khan
- 40 Years Experience
- PKR 2500
- Book Appointment
Doctors to treat Meningitis in Pakistan
- Doctors to treat Meningitis in Karachi
- Doctors to treat Meningitis in Gujranwala
- Doctors to treat Meningitis in Sialkot
- Doctors to treat Meningitis in Islamabad
- Doctors to treat Meningitis in Lahore
- Doctors to treat Meningitis in Multan
- Doctors to treat Meningitis in Faisalabad
- Doctors to treat Meningitis in Peshawar
- Doctors to treat Meningitis in Hyderabad
- Doctors to treat Meningitis in Abbottabad
- Doctors to treat Meningitis in Rawalpindi
- Doctors to treat Meningitis in Quetta
- Doctors to treat Meningitis in Sargodha
- Doctors to treat Meningitis in Rahimyar khan
- Doctors to treat Meningitis in Bahawalpur
Speciality for Meningitis
Hospitals to Treat Meningitis in Pakistan
- Pediatrician Hospitals in Karachi
- Pediatrician Hospitals in Gujranwala
- Pediatrician Hospitals in Sialkot
- Pediatrician Hospitals in Islamabad
- Pediatrician Hospitals in Lahore
- Pediatrician Hospitals in Faisalabad
- Pediatrician Hospitals in Multan
- Pediatrician Hospitals in Peshawar
- Pediatrician Hospitals in Hyderabad
- Pediatrician Hospitals in Abbottabad
- Pediatrician Hospitals in Rawalpindi
- Pediatrician Hospitals in Quetta
- Pediatrician Hospitals in Sargodha
- Pediatrician Hospitals in Rahimyar khan
- Pediatrician Hospitals in Bahawalpur